“But I’m not an expert”- Why Begin Writing on Medium

Summary

The article encourages individuals who may not consider themselves experts to start writing on Medium by sharing their personal journeys and experiences, as they can be valuable guides to others who are just beginning.

Abstract

The text uses the metaphor of learning to swim to illustrate the value of sharing knowledge on Medium, even if one doesn't feel like an expert. It emphasizes that overcoming fear and taking the first steps in a new skill, such as swimming, can inspire others who are still hesitant. The article suggests that while someone might not be an Olympic-level swimmer like Michael Phelps, their ability to swim at all makes them an expert in the eyes of a complete novice. It argues that such individuals are more approachable and relatable as teachers, as they can empathize with the beginner's mindset and fears. The author concludes by asserting that everyone has expertise to share and that writing on Medium is a way to reach out and help someone take their next step in learning.

Opinions

Writing on Medium is valuable even if you don't consider yourself an expert because your knowledge can still be significant to beginners.
Overcoming personal challenges and sharing that experience can inspire and guide others through their own learning process.
The gap between a novice and someone with basic proficiency is much larger than the gap between that basic proficiency and expert-level mastery.
Relatable experts, those who have recently learned a skill, are often better teachers for beginners than renowned experts who may not recall what it's like to start from scratch.
Everyone has a level of expertise that can be beneficial to others, and Medium is a platform where such knowledge can be shared effectively.

The Baby Pool

Picture this.

You and I have never learned to swim. In fact, we’re so scared of the water that we’re afraid to dip our toes in the baby pool.

A few months later, I’m back at the pool just as terrified as ever.

And then I look in the pool, and you are in there doing laps.

You have overcome that fear, and I want to know how you did it.

“But I’m no Michael Phelps…”

Now you might tell me that your swim stroke isn’t that good.

You might say that you are not Michael Phelps, the greatest Olympian swimmer of all time.

But to me you are Michael Phelps.

You see, the difference between between you and Phelps is a difference of degree. He may be 1000 times the swimmer you are.

But the difference between you – a swimmer – and me, is a difference of kind. On a scale of 1 to 1000, you might be only a 1. But I’m a zero.

I’m not going to ask Phelps

Could Michael Phelps teach me how to swim? I’m sure he could, but I would never ask him because he may not even remember what it was like to be afraid of the water.

To me, you are the expert. You are not an expert to everybody, but you don’t need to be. You are the person who can gently take my hand and lead me with kindness to take the next good step.

You see, you’re not an expert to everyone, but you’re an expert to someone, and that’s why you should start writing on Medium.

Here’s why you should write educational stories on Medium, starting now.

The Baby Pool

“But I’m no Michael Phelps…”

I’m not going to ask Phelps