Summary

The article emphasizes that true writers should focus on the personal and mental health benefits of writing rather than solely pursuing views and popularity.

Abstract

The author argues that writing is not merely a means to gain views or income but a deeply personal endeavor that offers significant mental health benefits. Real writers, according to the article, write for reasons beyond external validation, such as self-awareness, reflection, and the joy of the craft itself. The piece contrasts the mindset of those who write for views with that of chefs who cook for the love of the culinary arts, suggesting that the pursuit of views can become an insatiable addiction akin to substance abuse. Instead, the author encourages writers to appreciate the myriad of benefits that writing provides, including helping others, personal growth, and the ability to record and reflect on one's life.

Opinions

The author expresses frustration with "writers" who prioritize view counts and become disheartened when their work does not receive immediate attention or financial reward.
Journaling is highlighted as a valuable practice for mental health, suggesting that the act of writing, in itself, has intrinsic value beyond public recognition.
The pursuit of more views is likened to an unhealthy addiction, where "enough will never be enough," implying that this mindset can poison the writing experience.
The author draws a parallel between chefs who cook with a spiritual mindset, deriving value from creativity and helping others, and writers who should similarly appreciate the non-monetary rewards of their craft.
A list of writing benefits is provided, emphasizing the opportunities for personal growth, impact on society, and the ability to connect with others on a deeper level.
The author posits that even if increased happiness were the only benefit of writing, it would still be worthwhile, suggesting that happiness is an often-overlooked metric of success in writing.
The article concludes by asserting that real writers are motivated by self-discovery and personal reflection, rather than financial gain, and that this intrinsic motivation should be sufficient.

If You’re Just Writing For The Views, You’re Not A Real Writer

3 things real writers write for

“Writers” can be so funny.

Getting angry at the fact their views are gone. Getting angry they can’t get any traction. Quitting after publishing just 5 blog posts.

I can’t believe this behavior.

Writing isn’t a popularity contest. Writing isn’t about views and read time and money. The real value of writing transcends something as fickle as currency — the real value of writing is personal.

Let me explain.

Whatever Happened To Journaling?

Yesterday my friend posted something on Facebook about her journaling habit. She said that while it may be “weird,” it helps her a lot with her mental health. First — why did she say it was weird? I guess because many people don’t journal. I’m not surprised.

Second, she said it improves her mental health. I couldn’t agree more.

Before I wrote a single word on the internet, I burned through two 100-page journals over the span of 2 years. I enjoyed the hell out of daily journaling, and got a lot of value from writing.

WRITING.

Not views. Not Partner Program payments. Not followers.

Writing.

And that’s something many “writers” on this platform forget about — especially the beginners who get pissed off when they don’t see 50,000 views on their fifth article.

When Will Enough Views Be Enough?

Before I explain further, let me ask a question.

What happens if you get 200 views on a blog post? Well, you should be happy. But I guarantee that happiness will not last. If you don’t top 200 views the next time, you’ll probably think you’re not getting any better.

Then what happens if you break your 30-day views record? Your previous record will look small in comparison. Then the next month you’ll want more, and the following month you’ll want even more.

And everything less than that will be a disappointment.

What kind of a fucking mindset is that?

I’ll let you in on a little secret..

If you’re in this for the views, “enough” will never be enough. You’ll always want more. You’ll always try to find ways to get more. It will poison you slowly but surely.

It’s sort of like drugs or alcohol. Enough will never be enough for you, because you’re doing it for the views — not for the most important reason..

Because writing can do incredible things for our mental health.

If You’re In This For Views, You’re In It For All The Wrong Reasons

There’s a difference between a meal cooked by a chef and a meal cooked by your average joe.

For one, you can taste the difference.

Why though?

Is it because the chef has more experience? Is it because the chef has more education? I mean, sure, but I’d argue the difference goes much deeper than that.

The average joe has a transactional mindset. They cook, and there’s a very real result: food.

The chef has a spiritual mindset. They cook, and they create something that excites them. Have you ever heard a chef talk about food before?

I recommend you go and watch “Chef’s Table” on Netflix. The way those Chefs talk about cooking will make you think you’ve missed something about food for your entire life. You have.

They don’t just derive value from the end product — they derive value from creativity, taste, helping others like local farmers, helping the environment — and even helping animals!

They see ten times more benefits from cooking than the average joe.

To me, not enough writers appreciate all the benefits they can get from writing.

The Benefits Of Writing

Let’s run through them.

The opportunity to help others.
Increased self-awareness from constant reflection.
The ability to make some money and support yourself/your family.
If you’re a journalist, the ability to make a real impact on government.
If you’re a blogger, an increased ability to connect with your friends and family when they read your posts.
The ability to record your life and remember past events more vividly.
The ability to look back on your life and see how you thought at certain times.
The outlet to talk freely about things that you’ve never been able to talk about.

Imagine the ONLY benefit you got from writing was more happiness. Let’s just imagine for a second that that was all writing could give us.

Would it be worth it?

Would you complain about that?

If You’re Complaining About Views, You’re Not A Writer

Real writers are in this for something far more valuable than money. We’re in this to discover ourselves. We’re in this for personal reflection and honesty.

And that’s enough.

Isn’t it?

Or does everything we do have to translate into dollars?

Get a few free writing tips from me here.