Summary

An 80-year-old writer reflects on their resilience in the face of Medium's changes to its pay system, emphasizing adaptability and a positive outlook.

Abstract

The author, an experienced 80-year-old writer and editor on Medium, shares their personal journey of coping with the platform's recent alterations to its monetization policy. Initially reacting with anxiety, the author engages in self-dialogue to overcome fears, drawing on past experiences of overcoming challenges and adapting to new situations. The piece conveys a message of self-reliance and the importance of embracing change, as the author concludes that despite the uncertainty, they will continue to write and navigate the new system with the same tenacity that has sustained them throughout their life.

Opinions

The author acknowledges an initial emotional reaction to change but quickly moves to a rational assessment of the situation.
They believe in their ability to learn and adapt, referencing their successful entry into Medium's writing community despite initial challenges.
The author values self-reflection and introspection as tools for managing anxiety and uncertainty.
There is a strong sense of self-efficacy, as the author is confident they will "figure it out," regardless of the outcome.
The writer views change as a constant in life and approaches it with pragmatism rather than fear.
They maintain a humorous and light-hearted tone when discussing their age and the process of dealing with change, suggesting a positive and resilient attitude towards life's challenges.

Change Is Only Bad If It Kills Us

I’ve been dealing with change for 80 years, and I’m still here.

Some thoughts on Medium’s memo about the new changes to its pay system.

Yes, I freaked out a bit like almost everyone else. I’m human, after all. Even though I look like a decrepit old hag that’s turned into stone, raging terrors flap around in this old body from time to time. Just like when I was young. It’s some of the knee jerk reactions I haven’t dealt with yet, I think.

Except the fears don’t bother me for quite as long as they did when I was young, when I could go around in a funk for months if an organization I depended on for my livelihood would all of a sudden do something different.

So, when I got the news that Medium was introducing changes to the MPP, I was all blase, and so what, I can handle it, staying above the fray like the wise old crone I like to think I am.

But as the day wore on, I noticed myself dragging, and I woke up with my heart thumping a bit. Uh oh. Anxiety knocking at the door.

Yeah, the news had gotten to me.

But by now I knew what to do. You’re worried, I said to myself, so self, do what you do best.

Self: What’s the worst that can happen?

Me: The changes will kill me.

Self: Is that going to happen?

Me: Not likely. Ev Williams doesn’t want to go to jail.

Self: Okay, so what’s the next worst thing that can happen?

Me: I won’t know how to make money anymore.

Self: So, what did you do the last time you didn’t know how to make Medium work?

Me: Well, that was when I joined last May, and I didn’t even know how to post a picture. I just kept looking for answers to my questions.

Self: How did that work out for you?

Me: I got my first article curated and made it into the 7% the first month and haven’t stopped since.

Self: So, do you think you’ll figure out the new rules?

Me: Based on my past performance, I should be okay.

Self; Anything else?

Me: Suppose I don’t figure it out?

Self: What will you do then?

Me: I guess I’ll figure that one out. It’s what I’ve been doing all my life. I’ve done things that haven’t worked out. Or only worked out for a little while. So I’ll just have to deal with that when it comes. But today, I have an article to write.

Self: Okay, then. Since you don’t have any more information, looks like you’ve got it covered. Get back to writing your article. Ping me when you have a question.

So, based on my life experience, this is what got me out of bed today when I had anxiety about the changes to come. Things will work out or they won’t. Just like always. At least they won’t kill me.

How To Deal With Writing Block When You’re 80 Years Old

The way you do when you’re 30 years old. Assume you’re losing your mind.

medium.com

I’m an editor and writer on Medium with Top Writer status. I’m also an editor for the publication, Rogues Gallery. I’ve published 55 titles on Amazon and edit for private clients. If you’d like to hire me as your editor for fiction, non-fiction, or business writing, please contact me here. If you’d like to read more of my work on Medium, click here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ll make sure you don’t miss a word. Thank you for reading.