Navigating the Challenges of Writing on Medium: A Personal Journey
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Chapter 1: The Beginning of My Medium Journey
Four months ago, I embarked on my adventure in the world of Medium and online writing, filled with excitement and creative ideas. I dedicated myself to reading extensively and writing daily, aiming to share my thoughts through weekly articles. However, now I find myself with only 29 followers, which can be quite discouraging. The platform often showcases success stories like "How I Earned 6 Figures Through Online Writing," leading me to question my own journey and whether I truly belong in this space.
Section 1.1: The Allure of Visible Success
Witnessing others seemingly achieve effortless success can be disheartening. It makes me doubt my abilities and wonder if writing is truly my calling. These moments of uncertainty can be quite heavy. However, I've come to understand that this struggle isn't just about my writing skills or bad luck—it's about where I've been focusing my attention.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Pitfalls of Outcome Obsession
At the outset, my writing was heavily influenced by the desire for outcomes: I yearned for my content to resonate with readers and to engage with the community. I sought validation through followers and income—visible indicators of success. This mindset sparked an internal conflict. Is it wrong to want engagement? After all, sharing my work with a broader audience is part of the process.
Yet, I realized that while engagement is gratifying, it shouldn't be the primary goal. When I write for likes or comments, I shift from passion to performance, which can be detrimental to my long-term growth, both personally and professionally.
Section 1.2: Shifting to a Process-Oriented Mindset
I encountered the concept of "process focusing" through various readings, but its significance only dawned on me after my struggles with online writing. Embracing this new mindset allowed me to appreciate the journey rather than just the destination.
Chapter 2: Embracing My Writing Process
The first video titled "Why Are So Many Medium Publications Leaving??" explores the challenges faced by writers on Medium. It discusses the struggles of maintaining engagement and the shifting landscape of online writing.
The second video, "7 Harsh Truths About Writing On Medium (in 2023)," delves into the realities of writing on Medium, providing insights into the challenges and the perseverance required for success.
Now, I strive to write from a place of passion, understanding that this temporary "silence" in engagement is acceptable. I remain humble and focus on sharing, connecting, and learning from others as we grow together.
Section 2.1: Finding True Fulfillment in Writing
This fresh perspective has transformed my writing experience. I am now more focused on the value I derive from the process itself—gaining knowledge, forming connections, and fostering personal growth. While it's challenging to watch the numbers stagnate, I am learning to find joy in the act of writing itself.
I’ve come to appreciate that feedback, even if negative, is an opportunity for learning. The silence I experienced—was it due to the quality of my content or how I presented it? There's plenty of room for improvement, and I’m ready to embrace it.
Looking Ahead
As I move forward, my commitment is to write for the right reasons. I aim to improve, share, and enjoy this journey, no matter where it leads me. This path may be challenging, but it's mine, and I'm dedicated to it, one article at a time. : )