How to Overcome the Six-Month Writing Slump
Because all Medium writers have to learn how to deal with the ups and downs of online writing.
Writing can be difficult, even if you enjoy it.
There are many things you have to do if you want to “make it” as a writer on Medium. Aside from writing and publishing every day, you have to build an email list, promote your work, engage with other writers, and gain followers. And that leaves out a lot of other work.
If you only want to use Medium to write for fun, most of what I have to say here won’t apply to you, but thanks for reading anyway. But if you want to use the platform to reach an audience, help people solve their problems, and generate an income, you know the frustration of the writing slump.
I’m talking about those times when you’re moving full speed ahead and seeing great progress, only to hit a wall and slow down. It may come from burnout, life events, and the strong urge to quit. For me, it happened after my first six months of writing here.
It appears that six months is a common quitting point for a lot of wannabe writers. But you’re not just a wannabe writer are you? You’re committed to creating a better life for yourself and others through your writing.
I’m not a pro or a Medium “expert.” I’m just here to share my journey because we can all learn from each other.
So let’s talk about how we can make it through a Medium writing slump–and specifically the six-month slump.
The most important commandment of writing
I’ve read a lot of writers who talk about hitting a wall after about 6 months of writing on Medium. But I’ve read about them because they stuck with their writing through the slump and made it to the other side to tell their story.
By six months in, you should have a writing routine to help you write and publish every day.
The first and most important commandment of writing is: write every day.
I don’t think you can claim to be in a slump if you don’t have a habit of writing every single day. Until then, if you’re having difficulty thinking of something to write, it’s probably because you aren’t writing enough.
I know that may sound a little contradictory, but the more you write the more ideas you’ll get.
Why is that true?
The more you say “yes” to your ideas by writing them down, the more accustomed your brain becomes to giving you new ideas. If you don’t write down ideas as they come to you, it signals to your mind that generating fresh ideas isn’t that important so your brain will stop to conserve energy.
Building a writing habit means you’re saying “yes” to your ideas. You’re self-signaling to your mind that writing is important and conditioning yourself to generate more ideas.
Study the game
The greatest athletes in the world are students of the game. Their love affair with sports goes beyond loving to perform or compete. The game itself infatuates them.
Much like an athlete, if you want to perform well on Medium, you must love the writing process. You learn to study your craft by reading and dissecting other writers. Everyone can teach you something.
Here are a few of the lessons I’ve adopted from some of the biggest writers on Medium.
- Ayodeji Awosika taught me how to use the PAS (problem, action, solution) formula to write compelling copy.
- Benjamin Hardy taught me how to integrate data and quotes into my writing.
- Jessica Lynn taught me how Medium works.
- Shannon Ashley taught me how to be vulnerable in a way that keeps readers’ attention.
- Ryan Holiday taught me how to use stories from history in an interesting way to make my writing feel grounded.
- Time Denning taught me how to be brave and believe in my writing.
- Sinem Günel taught me how to create the right mindset for success on Medium.
I’ve learned countless lessons from lesser-known writers too. The point is if you’re in a slump, study writing and study Medium as a platform to renew your energy.
When you model (not copy) someone else’s writing, you’ll not only become a better writer but renew your love of the game.
Find a goal that gets you out of bed
I get up before 5 am most mornings to write. What gets me out of bed isn’t my burning desire to put pen to paper (or fingers to keys), but my goal to create more freedom in my life.
I recognize Medium offers writers a unique opportunity to hone their craft and get paid to do it.
Six months of executing on any goal will test your commitment. You will have to decide if this is truly a goal you want to pursue. With six months of consistent writing, you’ve probably realized this isn’t a place to make a quick buck.
Sure, there are outliers and you may be one of them. But I’m not convinced being an outlier has the advantages in the long run of putting in the hours of practice.
When you hit a writing slump, take the time to clarify why you write. Don’t hold yourself to an unrealistic expectation. I know how easy it is to charge ahead with visions of viral articles and cash rolling in. But if you’re waiting for your one big hit or your big break, you’re going to tire out easily.
Figure out your why. The deeper and more emotional your reason for doing something, the more likely you are to stick with it over the long-term.
It’s important to find a reason for writing that’s so powerful it gets you out of bed every morning. Even on the weekends.
Commit to the long game
Everybody wants to be successful. If I’m honest I get a little jealous when I read overnight success stories and we think why not me?
But you have to decide if you want short-term success or longer and more stable success. That doesn’t mean short term success is bad, but if I had to choose I’d rather have a body of work and be a one-hit-wonder.
“You are not patient enough. Your lack of patience is killing you and your need of things is killing you.” –Gary Vaynerchuk
Six months of writing on Medium isn’t enough to create long-term success in my opinion. It is, however, long enough to learn about what works on this platform and what doesn’t.
A writing slump will test your reasons for being here. If you’re in it for a quick hit, the six-month slump will finish you off. It’s okay to quit, writing isn’t everyone’s thing.
But for everyone committed to making a real impact with your writing over the long term, you’ll deepen your commitment and step up your game when challenges come.
Don’t be afraid to commit to the long term. It can be difficult to get noticed here, it’s true. But good writing and consistent writers eventually find the spotlight because everyone else goes away.
I’m learning patience isn’t sexy, but it’s crucial.
Final Thoughts
When you hit a six-month writing slump–or a writing slump of any kind–rest assured that you’re not alone. Every writer goes through it.
What’s helped me is recommitting to my reason for writing. To get out of a slump, I study the platform and other writers to see what’s working. I make the conscious choice to commit to long-term success over short-term gratification.
I’d love to know, how have you made it through a writing slump?