What My First 50 Stories On Medium Taught Me
Story Of What Has Changed — Where I Was And Where I Am Now
Before I begin, I need to make a preface.
I’m not on Medium for the simple pleasure of it.
For me, writing is a job.
A few months ago, I decided that I would start from scratch, trying to make writing my profession.
From this perspective, I can’t define myself as someone who writes once a month to put their thoughts down on paper.
Results matter to me. I would lie if I said otherwise.
After having clarified this, I want to share what have been the fundamental milestones in this journey, and tell you what has changed compared to the toughest part of every process: the beginning.
1) Technical Improvement
You know those authors who rightly tell of making $1000 in their first month on Medium?
I’m not one of them.
Instead, I see myself much more in those who tell of the difficulties of the beginning, spending hours writing articles that are then read by a handful of people, if you’re lucky.
That’s been me.
Looking at the most successful bloggers used to seem like a utopia to me; now, it simply seems more like a journey.
The first change I made has been for sure the technical improvement.
I feel much more confident in what I write, and it takes me less time to do it.
The secret? I have a better understanding of what interests others, as well as what doesn’t.
Without ever feeling like I’ve arrived, I never stop searching for new topics or formats that may please or displease, but will certainly enhance my know-how and enrich me with a currency that cannot be exchanged: experience.
2) Focus on the Process
One of the things that most challenged me in the beginning was feeling ignored even by those with whom I took the first step.
Today, I haven’t developed any explanation for this behavior.
I don’t know why they do it, nor do I think it’s serious; they have their reasons, or maybe not even those.
I’ll never know by staying behind a computer screen, but most of all, I wonder:
Would knowing the reason bring anything better into my life? Probably not.
I’ve set a target: my ratio should be 1:7.
This means that, out of 7 texts I interact with, I consider myself satisfied if even just one responds.
This way, a non-response isn’t a defeat; it’s a step forward towards the next one who will respond to me.
3) Emotional Intelligence
Putting your thoughts on paper has a beneficial effect on the brain, which you carry with you throughout the day and in everything you do, not just in the moment of writing. By verbalizing, you can give a name and better describe your emotions, changing the way you experience things.
It’s not a process from zero to one hundred, but day by day.
You notice it when, in a moment of relaxation, the thought manifests itself on its own:
“Just think, months ago I would have reacted differently! I have to admit that I’ve changed for the better!”
4) Monetization
Would you like to know how much my first article posted on Medium brought me?
I’ll tell you right away: the grand sum of $0.13.
I certainly can’t claim to have made a full salary on Medium, and indeed it’s just one of the assets I’m pursuing.
However, it’s interesting to note how earnings have grown slowly but steadily, in step with views. Firstly, you make the first dollar, then the first $10, then you dip a little, then you keep growing…
In a nutshell, you experience firsthand the power of consistency.
Do you want to know why consistency is so tremendously effective in terms of views and earnings? I have no idea.
It’s an empirical rule, but it works.
After all, if every creator, on every platform, prioritizes consistency, there must be a reason, right?
To the next time!
