Overcoming Common Misconceptions as a New Medium Writer
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Chapter 1: Introduction to My Medium Journey
In the past seven months, I transformed Medium into a lucrative side gig, earning over $1,500, including $700 in just one month. I've gained a following of more than 4,000 readers and published nearly 250 articles. However, this success didn't come easily; I actually quit Medium twice due to three misleading beliefs that held me back.
Here's what I learned from those experiences.
Section 1.1: The Myth of Time Constraints
One common excuse I heard was, “I’m too busy to write.” I used to buy into that notion myself. The truth is, you’ll never find the time unless you actively create it. Initially, writing on Medium wasn’t my priority. I skipped research, imitated others, and didn’t put much effort into my writing, which led to disappointing outcomes.
People were indifferent to my work, mirroring the lack of care I showed towards it. Notably, Eve Arnold built a successful writing career with just an hour or two of daily dedication. If you see yourself as a writer, then it's essential to embrace that role fully. Writing shouldn't just be an option; it should be an instinct.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Power of Daily Writing
Section 1.2: The Creativity Fallacy
Another falsehood I clung to was, “Avoid daily writing; it drains your creativity.” This belief only holds true under specific conditions: if you’re a J.K. Rowling-type novelist or if your writing sessions are lengthy and infrequent. For most of us, that’s not the case.
I learned firsthand that less writing didn’t elevate my skills; it led to my quitting because I didn’t train my mind to perform on command. Paradoxically, the more you write, the better your thoughts become. W. Somerset Maugham famously stated, “You cannot write well or much unless you form a habit.” The more you write, the clearer your ideas become, ultimately enhancing your work.
Chapter 2: The Illusion of Immediate Results
The first video discusses the misconception that everything we believe might not be true, which resonates with the doubts many new writers face.
I often told myself that writing on Medium was pointless due to a lack of instant results. However, Medium operates differently. Initially, I had only 110 followers and earned $12 after my first month. This lack of visible progress led me to quit in 2020, a decision I later regretted.
Derek Hughes offered me a valuable perspective: as writers, we are like farmers. Each story we publish is a seed planted. While immediate success may not be visible, consistent effort leads to a bountiful harvest. Patience is key; don’t seek quick rewards. Instead, nurture your work and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
The second video exposes common misconceptions in the writing community, providing insights that can help you stay motivated.
Ultimately, these three misconceptions caused me to abandon Medium like a coward in both 2020 and 2022. Only after shifting my mindset to prioritize writing, embracing daily practice for creativity, and understanding the importance of perseverance did I start to see results.
I encourage you to adopt the same mindset, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your writing goals.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. What misconceptions did you face when you began your journey on Medium? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
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