Insights from 300 Medium Articles: Lessons Learned on My Journey
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Chapter 1: The Reality of Writing on Medium
Writing three hundred articles may seem trivial to some, but this reflection serves as a wake-up call about the realities behind many idealized success narratives online. Over the span of 2.4 years, I dedicated myself to publishing articles on Medium.
Initially, I focused heavily on sleep and its neurophysiological aspects, but soon I realized that I could explore a wider range of topics. Embracing a diverse writing style suits my personality and how I approach life, and that’s the direction I’ll continue to pursue, with only minor adjustments.
The reasons I began writing are varied, but a significant motivator has been the richness of my life experiences. Having navigated through numerous medical challenges, traveled to 21% of the world, and spent half my career at a multinational corporation, I’ve accumulated a wealth of knowledge that fuels my writing. I sincerely wish that you also experience the blessings that come from sharing your stories.
After publishing 300 posts, I’ve gained more than just visibility:
- I’ve created a repository of insights I can share with others.
- I’ve helped a few people improve their sleep.
- I’ve expanded my network and made new friends.
- I’ve sparked fresh ideas in my readers.
- I’ve honed my writing skills and adapted various mental models.
I also run a niche publication focused on Submarine Power Cable installations. Recently, I became fascinated by the "Antikythera Mechanism," highlighted by Graham Hancock in a podcast.
A key piece of advice I’d offer is to document your own knowledge and experiences before they fade away. You may not become a famous influencer, but your unique insights are invaluable.
I'm genuinely satisfied with my writing journey and grateful for those who take the time to read my work. While I have an arsenal of content ready to share, I must admit that my publishing frequency isn’t as consistent as it could be. I recognize that this inconsistency may be a shortcoming, but I also believe that writing should not feel like a chore. For me, it’s a way to document my life, learn new writing techniques, and explore diverse subjects—providing me with the freedom that digital writing brings, especially when it’s financially sustainable.
When I write, I aim to educate and share my life experiences. So far, this approach has sufficed, regardless of how often I publish. Even after 300 articles, my journey on Medium feels like it has only just begun.
Section 1.1: Balancing Life and Writing
Life's structure and the harmony between my responsibilities and family dynamics significantly influence my writing. With four children and both my wife and I working, balancing daily life with my writing can be overwhelming. I also dedicate between 7 and 12 hours a week to workouts, not to mention my reading habits.
There’s a common notion that achieving a work-life balance is an illusion, but I disagree. I’m fortunate to work in an offshore role that affords me a decent balance. Opportunities abound, but they require a willingness to seek them out, often necessitating sacrifices. I understand that not everyone is inclined to work abroad, but I’ve been lucky to have a supportive family that embraces this lifestyle.
Ultimately, this balance provides me with the mental space to think, which I consider crucial.
Section 1.2: Valuable Lessons from Podcasts
Recently, I listened to a podcast where Nicolas Cole discussed how algorithms and data can often overshadow the intrinsic value of what you write. If you’re passionate about writing (and I know you are, which is why you’re here), consider connecting your work with SEO principles.
Subsection 1.2.1: Using Writing as a Tool for Clarity
Writing can illuminate important truths. Many on a personal development journey experience a struggle to clarify their desires. Writing transforms you into a creator, allowing you to translate nebulous ideas into tangible words and, eventually, reality.
Writing can serve both as a therapeutic outlet and a catalyst for manifesting ideas. By documenting your thoughts, you cultivate a more stable mindset. When overwhelmed by modern distractions, writing—like meditation—can help clarify your thoughts.
By putting negative thoughts on paper, you accomplish two significant things:
- You clear mental clutter.
- You confront what you might be trying to avoid.
On the other hand, articulating positive thoughts allows you to share your energy and reflects your progress.
Reflecting on past writings—whether in journals or online posts—provides insights into your journey and can guide your future path.
Chapter 2: Embracing Mistakes and Growth
Mistakes are inevitable, so don't be misled. I often find myself publishing articles without a thorough review, even after using tools like Grammarly. Fortunately, I tend to reread my work shortly after publishing and correct any errors I spot.
Confidence can be a double-edged sword. While I once struggled with self-doubt, I eventually learned to build my confidence. However, overconfidence can lead to increased mistakes and a failure to heed valuable lessons from the universe.
It's vital to recognize that everyone makes mistakes, including those who appear more accomplished than you. Accepting and learning from your errors can help calibrate your confidence.
Tracking your writing data is essential. Ignoring feedback can waste time, especially if you aim to monetize your writing. Initially, I was too focused on delivering value to readers, which is critical, but it shouldn't be your sole focus.
After 300 articles, I plan to shift my approach and leverage my personal data. This strategy simplifies content creation and accelerates growth. If you lack an audience, analyze other writers you admire to understand what resonates with their readers.
Chapter 3: Revisiting Your Earlier Work
Revising previous articles can yield significant benefits. Some of my earlier works, once revised, performed much better than expected. I encourage you to revisit and enhance your older posts, as this can help you refine your writing style and identify recurring mistakes.
Writing is also about finding your unique voice. Determine what resonates with you by examining your past articles. Focus on your passion without being overly concerned with metrics like earnings or followers initially.
Surround yourself with quality influences, as they will shape your writing journey.
Chapter 4: Quality Over Quantity
The number of articles you publish doesn’t equate to meaningful impact. What matters is how effectively your message connects with readers. Reflect on their needs and how your writing can serve them. This approach often correlates with financial success.
Writing about topics that ignite your passion is crucial. While sticking to one niche might yield quicker growth, diversifying your subjects can make writing more enjoyable and sustainable.
Discussing writing itself is a surefire way to engage Medium’s audience. Many readers are here because they love to write, and sharing insights about the craft can foster connection.
Publishing in larger platforms can also increase visibility for your work. While it’s essential to write for enjoyment, reaching an audience that benefits from your insights is equally important.
Finally, it's acceptable to take breaks from publishing as long as you maintain a consistent writing practice. This approach can reduce stress and enhance the quality of your work.
Reflecting on my experiences, I realize that writing is a powerful tool for self-exploration and growth. I encourage you to embrace your writing journey and learn from your experiences.
Remember these key takeaways:
- Use writing to clarify your path.
- Accept and learn from your mistakes.
- Track your data to inform future content.
- Revise and improve your previous work.
- Cultivate your unique writing voice.
- Focus on quality rather than sheer volume.
- Write about what excites you.
- Engage with the writing community.
- Seek opportunities in larger publications.
- Allow yourself time away from publishing.
"Writing on Medium has transformed my perspective, and I am grateful for the knowledge I’ve gained from this platform."
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Thank you for reading! Everyone faces challenges in writing and publishing; ensure you learn from each moment.
P.S.:
I believe in nurturing a resilient mindset and aim to inspire my readers through my writing. If you'd like to receive my posts directly, subscribe here. If you’re interested in experiencing Medium yourself, consider supporting me and countless other writers for unlimited access at just $5 per month.