Navigating Your Medium Journey: Lessons from Two Years of Experience
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Chapter 1: My Medium Experience
I dedicated two whole years to Medium, only to realize I was spinning my wheels. Despite my constant activity, my family noticed my exhaustion, yet my earnings barely crossed the $10 mark. The question remained: what was I doing wrong?
The Stone and the Birds
There's a saying in Africa: "The hunter in pursuit of an elephant does not stop to throw stones at birds." Picture a child on their way to school and an adult heading to work. Who is more likely to get sidetracked? It's typically the child, who lacks focus. Conversely, the adult, driven by clear objectives, remains on course.
Section 1.1: Common Pitfalls for New Medium Writers
Many newcomers to Medium mirror that distracted child, engaging in time-consuming but unproductive tasks. This lack of direction leads to wasted effort. Here are three pitfalls I've encountered and how I turned them around:
Three Time-Wasting Activities on Medium (and How to Be Productive Instead)
- Obsessing Over Earnings Posts
I found myself engrossed in posts detailing earnings strategies like "How I Made $$$ on Medium." Unfortunately, this obsession led to frustration rather than growth. The reality is, no matter how many success stories you read, your income won’t grow until you take action based on what you learn.
Instead, Emphasize Experimentation
While I may have let this slip recently, I’m making a conscious effort to refocus. Experimentation is crucial. As an aspiring writer, it's essential to explore different writing styles, test various headlines, and generate fresh story ideas. After reading a success story, choose one strategy to implement and evaluate the outcomes of your efforts.
- Niche Searching: An Endless Cycle
The advice to "find your niche!" often feels overwhelming. I spent weeks lost in research, yet I still felt no closer to pinpointing my niche. This search can become a busywork trap.
Instead, Engage in Self-Discovery Through Writing
Clarify your motivations for seeking a niche. True artists typically don't wander aimlessly in search of one; they know their passions. I realized that my uncertainty stemmed from not being in touch with my authentic self. Writing about significant life events, regrets, and inspirations can help you reconnect with your true voice.
- Interacting with the Wrong Audience
Engagement is key to growing on Medium, but I wasted time chasing attention from high-profile accounts, thinking they would boost my visibility. I learned that these established writers often lack the bandwidth to engage with newcomers.
Instead, Forge Connections with Fellow New Writers
A friend of mine used to read an astonishing 70 stories daily! Initially, I thought he was overdoing it, while I hung around waiting for recognition from top writers. Now, I've shifted my focus to connecting with writers at a similar stage in their journey. Recognize that some peers will advance past you, and that’s okay. The goal is to build relationships with those genuinely interested in your work, as this will catalyze your growth.
Chapter 2: It’s Never Too Late
In my journey, I've realized it’s never too late to revitalize your Medium experience. After two years of being busy yet unproductive, I’m now committed to focusing on what truly matters.
The lesson here isn’t about how many times you falter; it’s about your ability to rise and return to the path of progress.
Final Thoughts
Being busy doesn’t equate to productivity. Concentrate on efforts that yield tangible results and propel your growth. The essence of your journey lies in writing, experimenting, and connecting with fellow writers.
Thank you for reading!
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