Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of writers finding their own pace and rhythm in content creation without succumbing to the pressure of matching the output of other successful writers.

Abstract

The author of the article, who has found a consistent writing rhythm after months of adjustment, advises writers on Medium to progress at their own pace, acknowledging that each individual's creative process and speed differ. The article highlights the importance of quality and quantity in content creation and suggests that while frequent posting can aid growth, it's not necessary to post daily to succeed on the platform. The author stresses the value of self-care and warns against the pitfalls of burnout, emphasizing that writing should be enjoyable and therapeutic rather than a source of stress or a pursuit solely for quick rewards. The article encourages writers to share authentic stories from the heart, as these are the ones that resonate with readers and contribute to a meaningful writing career.

Opinions

Writing frequency should align with personal capacity and life circumstances, such as the author's experience of writing daily while deployed overseas.
Success on Medium is not solely determined by the frequency of posts but also by the trust and value established with the audience through consistent quality.
Writers should not feel compelled to replicate the habits of successful authors, as each writer has a unique system and level of experience.
The dopamine rush from positive engagement on Medium should not overshadow the importance of maintaining one's health and well-being.
The pursuit of rapid growth or instant gratification can lead to burnout and is often unrealistic, as building a following typically takes time.
Authentic storytelling, often involving personal experiences, is crucial for creating meaningful connections with readers.
The joy of writing should be the primary motivation, not the pursuit of

Dear Writers, Please Go at Your Own Pace

Everyone runs their own race, don’t copycat the unsustainable

As with any creative journey, we all learn at different speeds. Therefore, we all produce quality content at different rates, as well.

When I first started on Medium, I posted once every two weeks. My posting frequency adjusted from two weeks to every week. Every week became every few days — to every other day — to every single day.

If you still haven't quite found your footing, it’ll come soon.

For the past three months, I have been writing nonstop and have finally found my rhythm. It took about four months to figure out my pace. I am at a point in my life where I have complete clarity on my goals in a realistic way.

Being deployed overseas allows me to write on my off-days and enable time to fly by. I’m not going out of my way to head to a computer lab or anything. I am blessed to own my laptop that I’ve typed over 2,000 words every single day for the past two months, according to Grammarly.

We don’t have to copy other writers who have success so that we can thrive on the platform. They have a system that works for them, and they’ve worked on their craft for longer than you have, most likely.

In the game of content creation and storytelling, quantity, and quality, both play a role in achieving our goals in writing.

The only person you’re racing is yourself.

We are our own biggest critics. I attest to the saying because ultimately, we aren’t creating to make someone else proud of us — maybe some are. But most creators do what they do because they’re passionate about helping others.

What’s the rush?

Only a few times in my writing career have I written a story about an idea that’s unique and never been considered. I am a creative person, but most of the stories I tell are practical lessons people have preached before — only with my personal experiences.

Unless you’re working for a column on Forbes, People, Time, or any other large company, you don’t have due dates.

Can posting more often help you grow?

Sure. It’s highly encouraged to share a high volume of stories to develop an audience who trusts you’ll deliver value to their lives.

We don’t all have to post every single day, though. It’s not going to make a difference for some of the most prominent writers on the platform. Some of the best post an article once a week and still just as much engagement.

As I said before, the Medium algorithm loves quality and quantity. When you put more stories into the Medium atmosphere, readers from all the different topics you write about follow you.

It’s essential to take care of yourself when you feel burnout coming.

Don’t rush everything too fast. The dopamine rush we get when we gain followers, get claps, or earn a curation go through the roof.

If we chase the thrill of Medium success faster than we can keep up with our health, that’s an immediate red flag.

After my first month of writing articles every single day (three hours at a time), I exhausted my brain. For my health, I had to take a week-long break to catch my breath.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the fear of stagnation.

We don’t want to be at the same spot we started at a month prior. Many of us are wired in a way where we seek instant gratification. It’s unreasonable to think we’ll have a thousand followers within the first month.

Quick rewards on Medium are simply not an ordinary case.

It’s taken me nearly six months to earn five-hundred followers, and this didn’t come with me telling bogus stories for clickbait.

Every article I write comes from deep within my heart and often entails personal experience. As I say in the military, I wouldn’t tell any of my soldiers to do something I myself have not done.

The same goes for my audience. I will not convey advice I have not personally taken. That would be misleading and possibly lead to repercussions down the line.

Writing is supposed to be fun!

Many of us have full-time jobs and families to tend to. Writing should come from a place of bliss and mindfulness. Not a place of worry, financial success, or proving something to someone.

As I preach to my friends and family, blogging is incredibly therapeutic, and having this platform as an outlet for me to share my experiences with people from all around the world is mind-blowing.

By writing at our own pace, we can all live happier lives, without the baggage. Your stories are meant to be shared. Remember that with every word you write, someone out there cares.