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Summary

The author reflects on their experience of becoming overly immersed in reading on Medium, leading to a neglect of their own writing, and shares insights and advice on maintaining a balance between reading and writing, as well as dealing with self-doubt and the intimidation of other writers' success.

Abstract

The author of the content expresses a personal struggle with excessive reading on the Medium platform, which has diverted their focus from writing. They attribute this to the high quality of writing by others, which both inspires and intimidates them. The author admits to avoiding writing due to self-doubt and distractions, and acknowledges the impact of their mental health on their productivity. However, they have also recognized the importance of writing consistently and engaging with other writers' work to improve their own profile and writing skills. The author emphasizes the necessity of overcoming fear, particularly the fear of rejection by publications, and encourages writers to continue submitting their work. They suggest that writers should read feverishly but not lose their initial confidence when comparing themselves to more established writers with large followings. The author concludes by sharing links to their own work and that of others who have inspired and guided them.

Opinions

  • The author feels overwhelmed by the quality of writing on Medium, which leads to self-doubt and a lack of confidence in their own work.
  • They acknowledge a tendency to procrastinate and become distracted by other activities instead of focusing on writing.
  • The author has realized that consistent engagement with the platform, including reading, comment

I End Up Over-Reading On Medium

I forget to write

Photo by ShotPot: https://www.pexels.com

You may think I am exaggerating. But it's true — I am slowly losing focus on why I joined the platform. I might be reading more than I can consume. I have been reading non-stop, without a break. I have been commenting, commenting mindfully, and highlighting.

No, not to increase engagement with my writing, but because I am in awe of everybody else’s writing.

It took me a ‘shake me up’ article by my friend Matt Patton to come to my senses out of my trance and get to write with my 1.5 hands. (Some might remember I had shared, I got a broken thumb.)

I must admit, I have been avoiding writing lately, I have been distracted and I am falling into the spiral of my dwindling mental health, once again. But the good news is, I caught myself at it.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com

Why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we start off so well and then start faltering? After spending some time here on this platform, this is what I saw, which might help you to catch yourself too.

  • After the initial writing spree, I start to doubt myself and my work.
  • I read others and get super duper intimidated by the sheer brilliance of their writing, ideas and presentation.
  • I get distracted by other apps and look for ways to avoid working on my writing here.
  • The MPP is not yet available in my country, so it's difficult to motivate myself all the time. Yet here I am, writing fairly consistent. (wow, did I just praise myself! So I did picked up this great trait from fellow writers, after all)
  • I am scared of publications. The fear is uncalled for.
  • Gauge; ‘what am I really scared of?’ If its rejection, then you are in good company. I learned that they are all actually trying to help writers be their best. Don’t be scared of editors. Start sending in your work again.
  • Reading, commenting, highlighting, and engaging is necessary not only to improve your own profile engagement, but it helps in inspiring the writer within to write better.
  • You learn so much by engaging with others' work; but do not forget that we are here first for ourselves. You and I matter too.
  • Read others feverishly, but remember, not to lose the initial confidence you had. It's easy to lose sight because you see these giant writers with 3k, 5k, 15k, and 32k followers. Now you are like Woahhh! I am an ant, let me not even start climbing Everest.
  • Wait till some of them garner a million claps on their story. Now I want to shut off my laptop and get to another binge-watch right? I would say, don't fall for that, just wear blinders, clap for them, and inspire yourself to write like them.
  • I will say this once again, writing, write and writing more, is the only way through.

Below is the link to my one of my first articles on my favorite topic of writing. 👇

Also check this 👇 by Matt Patton

Another really good writer Gideon 6ix who has always been encouraging and guiding in his comments. Check him above. 👆

Check Jenny Lane above. 👆 She writes lovely heart warming personal blogs and much more.

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