Curated Stories
My Best Performing Stories (5%) in 2023 with Reasons
Why do these stories gain more views, reads, and engagement, giving us clues about the platform’s strategy and direction
Non-members can read this story for free via my friend link.
In 2023, I wrote around 365 stories, but only around 5% of them got the spotlight. Sure, the other 95% were cherished by my loyal readers, but they didn’t quite make waves in the big stats ocean compared to the previous years. Out of these 20, only two of them went viral.
Most of the stories got lost in my blind spots. I take personal responsibility because I might’ve missed out on optimizing titles, flooded them with scientific links for credibility, which might have bore readers, or slipped up with not-so-captivating images. Some readers commented on the images, advising me to pay more attention to cover photos.
The email subscription service glitched during the first half of the year, but kudos to the Medium support team for fixing it. However, recently, the glitch seems to linger, with some stories mysteriously vanishing into the digital abyss. I am focusing on improving what’s within my power and control, leaving the rest to the tech fairies.
I started the new year by laying out my game plan, revealing where my publications stand for the coming months, and dishing out the direction of the platform’s trajectory post-August 2023. Here is the link to the 2024 strategy for myself and my publications: Strategic Changes on Medium in 2023: How I Adapted to the New Strategy.
I am pleased that some fellow writers found the insights eye-opening and downright helpful. They wanted to know the stories that gained the most visibility and the ones that hog the limelight, draw in more readers, and spark engaging conversations. Curiosity piqued, and they wanted to decode the secret sauce behind these success stories.
Having delved deep into the analysis of my stories and guided my protégés through theirs, I have uncovered some recurring patterns and garnered insights that I want to cover in this post with examples.
To offer a valuable and helpful guide for both writers and readers, I have included links to the top 20 stories as examples. Additionally, I have outlined the context of each story, its broader significance, and why it outperformed the other 340 stories I penned in 2023.
Summary of My Best-Performing Pieces in 2023
While writing and self-editing each piece, I asked five main questions:
1 — Is my story impactful and constructive?
2 — Is my story original?
3 — Do I write from relevant experience?
4 — Is my story well-crafted?
5 — Does my story feel memorable?
You may click on the bolded headlines to check out the stories you are interested in.
1 — Here’s How I Train My Brain Daily for Mental Clarity and Intellectual Productivity.
This story holds significant value as it delves into practical strategies for enhancing mental clarity and productivity. It offers actionable insights into daily brain-training techniques, serving as a resource for individuals seeking methods to optimize their cognitive abilities. Sharing personal experiences and effective practices empowers readers to explore and adopt approaches that can potentially boost their intellectual prowess, making it a valuable guide for anyone striving to improve their mental acuity and productivity.
2 — The Brain Needs 4 Types of Workouts.
This story highlights the need for varied mental exercises to optimize brain function. It describes the four types of workouts essential for the brain’s well-being. It provides an informative guide for people seeking to understand and enhance their cognitive fitness. By elucidating the importance of diverse mental activities and their impact on brain health, it provides actionable insights for readers looking to incorporate a balanced regimen of cognitive workouts into their daily routines.
3 — Meditation Can Boost the Cortical Thickness in the Brain and Prevent the Thinning of It
This article is valuable for people interested in understanding the tangible benefits of meditation on brain health. It explores the scientifically backed effects of meditation on cortical thickness, shedding light on how this practice can prevent thinning of the brain’s crucial layers. By presenting evidence-backed insights, it serves as a compelling guide for those seeking to leverage meditation as a means to enhance brain structure and potentially mitigate age-related changes. It empowers readers with knowledge about the neurological advantages of meditation for cognitive well-being.
4 — Six Tips for a Youthful and Healthy Life as We Age.
This article provides practical tips tailored for maintaining a youthful and healthy life as we age. It offers six actionable suggestions grounded in health and wellness research, making it an indispensable resource for people pursuing vitality and longevity. The piece provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the aging process, encompassing various facets like nutrition, exercise, cognitive engagement, and stress management. Its insightful recommendations empower readers with practical strategies to enhance their well-being, making it a valuable read for those who are eager to embrace a healthier lifestyle while aging gracefully.
5 — Here’s How to Make the Nervous System More Flexible and Functional
This piece serves as an insightful guide to enhancing the flexibility and functionality of the nervous system. It outlines actionable steps and strategies backed by research, offering a comprehensive approach to optimizing nervous system health. It provides valuable insights into practices that contribute to increased flexibility and functionality, thereby aiding readers in understanding and caring for their nervous system. With practical advice and informative content, this article is helpful for those interested in improving their neurological well-being and overall health.
6 — 3 Steps to Regulate HPA Axis and Defeat Chronic Stress
This article offers a three-step approach to regulating the HPA axis, providing an insightful guide to combat chronic stress. It explores effective strategies supported by research, guiding readers through practical steps to manage and alleviate stress-related issues. By focusing on regulating the HPA axis, the piece empowers readers with actionable methods to navigate and overcome the challenges of chronic stress. It is a valuable resource for those seeking holistic and scientifically backed solutions to improve their stress management techniques.
7 — The Brain Needs 3 Types of Rest.
This article sheds light on the three essential types of rest the brain requires, offering insightful guidance on optimizing cognitive well-being. It outlines the significance of different forms of rest and their impact on mental rejuvenation, emphasizing their role in maintaining cognitive health. By exploring these restorative practices, the piece encourages readers to prioritize various forms of relaxation to support their brain’s vitality and overall mental functioning. It is a valuable resource for readers seeking to enhance their cognitive resilience through tailored rest practices.
8 — Here’s How You Can Enjoy Your Life More in Better Zones.
This piece focuses on strategies for leading a more fulfilling life by optimizing one’s mental and emotional states to achieve better, more rewarding experiences. It offers insights into adopting a “zone” mental framework, guiding readers to navigate various mental states effectively. By emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and intentional actions, the article provides actionable steps to help readers make mindful choices and enjoy life more meaningfully. It serves as a helpful guide for cultivating a balanced and enjoyable lifestyle by taking calculated risks.
9 — How to Slow Down Subjective and Objective Cognitive Decline
This article explores the methods and approaches to mitigate cognitive decline from a subjective and objective standpoint. It offers comprehensive insights into slowing down cognitive deterioration through various lifestyle changes, cognitive exercises, and health practices. By addressing the multifaceted aspects of cognitive health, the piece provides actionable steps and preventive measures for readers looking to maintain and enhance their cognitive abilities. It is a valuable resource for understanding and implementing strategies to promote long-term cognitive function and performance.
10 — Here’s Why I Focus on Nutritional Biochemistry Rather Than Diets
This article highlights the pivot from traditional dieting approaches to focusing on nutritional biochemistry for health and wellness. It sheds light on the limitations of conventional diets and emphasizes the significance of understanding the intricate biochemical processes within the body for sustainable health improvements. It advocates for a more personalized and science-backed approach to nutrition by exploring the complexities of nutritional biochemistry, steering away from generic diet plans. It provides an informative guide for readers seeking a deeper comprehension of how nutrition impacts the body at a biochemical level, encouraging a shift towards more tailored and evidence-based dietary choices.
11 — 4 Reasons We Procrastinate and 10 Steps to Overcome Them.
This article explains the intricate reasons behind procrastination, offering a comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors contributing to this typical behavior. It explores four primary causes of procrastination and provides a valuable guide featuring ten actionable steps to overcome these tendencies. By dissecting the root causes and offering practical solutions, it is an insightful resource for readers seeking to address procrastination in their lives, providing a roadmap towards increased productivity and efficiency.
12 — Queer Organisms: Nature’s Lesson for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality
This compelling article explores the exciting behavior of some organisms, drawing intriguing parallels between the diverse nature of organisms and the crucial concepts of diversity, inclusion, and equality in society. Through the lens of biology, it offers profound insights into the rich spectrum of life forms and their unique characteristics, intertwining these observations with broader societal implications. Exploring the fascinating world of organisms effectively conveys powerful messages about the importance of embracing diversity, promoting inclusion, and championing equality in human society. This story received acceptance from the LGBTQ+ community.
13 — A New Clinical Trial Found a Low-Carb Diet Better Than the Dash.
This illuminating piece describes a recent clinical trial comparing the efficacy of a low-carb diet to the DASH diet, shedding light on their respective impacts on health. It explains the trial’s findings, dissecting the benefits and outcomes of each diet regimen with a critical eye. By presenting this comparative analysis, the article provides valuable insights into dietary choices and their effects on health. It offers a nuanced perspective on nutrition and its potential implications for individuals seeking to optimize their well-being.
14 — How Writers Can Attract More Readers by Using Design Thinking Principles
This article, representing my years of experience with design thinking, presents a compelling guide tailored for writers, leveraging its principles to attract a broader readership. It explores how adopting these principles can elevate a writer’s work, drawing readers in with a thoughtful, user-centric approach. By offering practical insights and actionable strategies rooted in design thinking, this piece is a valuable resource for writers seeking to enhance their engagement and connect more effectively with their audience.
15 — Soulful Connections: Finding Meaning in Mammadou’s Childhood Letters
This memoir highlights the profound significance of my sponsored child’s letters, highlighting the essence of soulful connections and the depth of meaning embedded within personal narratives. It explores the emotional resonance of these letters, offering readers a poignant glimpse into the intimate and cherished moments captured within. Mammadou’s story evokes a sense of nostalgia and invites reflection on the enduring power of genuine connections and the richness they bring to our lives. I wrote this piece to advocate child sponsorship and inspire readers to consider sponsoring needy children.
16 — Understanding the Nuances of 4 Types of Obesity
This illuminating piece explains the intricate nuances surrounding the four distinct types of obesity, offering a comprehensive understanding of this complex health issue. It sheds light on the diverse factors contributing to each type, embracing a holistic view beyond mere body weight. Detailed insights might empower readers to grasp the multifaceted nature of obesity, promoting a more informed approach toward its management and treatment.
17 — 6 Reasons to Shift from Sugar to Fat-Burning State and 6 Steps to Attain It
This piece presents compelling reasons to transition from a sugar-dependent state to a fat-burning one, outlining six significant factors that support this shift. It navigates through the metabolic landscape, offering a clear pathway for readers to understand and achieve this transition. By delineating six actionable steps, the article empowers individuals to embark on this journey towards a fat-burning state, emphasizing its potential benefits for overall health and well-being.
18 — If Viagra and Cialis Don’t Work, Here’s Another Option to Solve Erection Problems for Men
This article explores the complexities of men’s sexual health without judgment or embarrassment. It explains the science behind erectile function, dissecting the role of an enzyme called PDE5, intricately linked to the mechanism of medications like Viagra and Cialis. Through a lens of scientific research and personal experiences, it highlights the pivotal role of nitric oxide and cGMP in the intricate process of male sexual health.
19 — How Small Changes Helped Ray Eliminate Brain Fog Completely
This story shares Ray’s journey of overcoming brain fog by implementing small lifestyle changes. It describes how Ray’s persistent brain fog impacted his daily life and productivity, leading him to seek natural solutions. Ray’s approach involved making subtle alterations in his routine, focusing on lifestyle changes and stress management. Improving his lifestyle helped him alleviate his brain fog. The story highlights Ray’s success story as an illustration of how minor lifestyle adjustments can profoundly impact mental clarity and overall well-being.
20 — My Unusual Celebration of New Years
This was my last article in 2023, but it instantly started getting substantial views and noticeable engagement. I highlight the transformative impact of fasting for its potential for metabolic enhancement, weight management, mental clarity, and disease prevention. The piece elucidates the distinction between controlled fasting and involuntary starvation, emphasizing the deliberate nature of fasting for health benefits. Backed by personal experiences and scientific insights, it underscores the biochemical changes induced by fasting, like ketosis and autophagy, showing their positive effects on cellular health and longevity.
21 — 9 Essential Biomarkers for Preventive Cardiometabolic Health
Checking biomarkers for metabolic health can provide valuable insights into our health status. Addressing disorders after they occur can be very difficult. I briefly summarize the key benefits of checking biomarkers and their implications.
22 — Vitamin B12 Deficiency Rises, Concerning Me As It Was My Big Problem
This story covers the profound impact of inadequate B12 levels on physical and mental health, uncovering its prevalence among various demographics. I include nuanced symptoms, risk factors, preventative measures, and treatment methods. I invite you to navigate the complexities of B12 deficiency, shedding light on the importance of awareness and proactive healthcare strategies. I aim to elevate your understanding and empower you with vital knowledge to optimize your health outcomes. Non-members can read this story for free via my friend link.
Feedback from Loyal Readers
To gain some evidence, I asked some of my loyal readers why they read and engaged in these stories. The common thread among these stories included their provision of actionable insights and valuable guidance backed up by science. They emphasized my voice being empathic and considered in these stories.
They informed me that these specific stories cover diverse topics and societal issues relatable to many other readers.
They appreciated these pieces for their practicality, offering clear steps, scientific backing, original content, relatable experiences, and nuanced perspectives to help them understand and apply complex concepts in their lives.
Additionally, these stories advocate a nuanced approach, emphasizing personalized strategies and considerate guidance rather than one-size-fits-all solutions, making them valuable resources for a wide range of readers seeking holistic wellness and personal growth.
Conclusions
Until mid-2023, many of my stories gained significant visibility. Then, I noticed a sharp decline. My adaptability strategy involved an in-depth examination of distribution tactics and the prerequisites for boosting. I documented them to educate and support fellow writers.
While strictly following the boost guidelines for each story, only about 1% of my published pieces were chosen. This shows a crucial point for aspiring writers: the Boost program upholds stringent standards, demanding exceptional storytelling skills that align with the platform’s evolving strategy.
Rather than being disheartened by my stories not being selected, I empathized with the curators. I recognized their commitment to prioritizing high-quality, engaging, meaningful, relatable, and impactful content — a shift crucial for the platform’s growth and sustainability.
For writers, adopting this empathetic outlook is key. It acknowledges the shared responsibility between curators and the platform for sustaining growth and catering to paying subscribers. Understanding this dynamic is fundamental for success within this platform’s ecosystem.
I experimented with humor in my writing in 2023. While my regular readers encouraged me to delve deeper, I observed that a broader audience didn’t have the opportunity to engage, possibly because these stories weren’t distributed as widely as other impactful pieces, likely due to their tricky titles and subtitles.
Consequently, I adjusted my adaptation strategy and ceased writing humorous pieces. I documented my findings in a story titled My Recent Humorous Stories Failed Statistically, But They Did Well Qualitatively. I also wrote a piece on using humor in writing as a guide: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Humor in Stories, Essays, and Blog Posts.
Overall, the best-performing genre for me in 2023 was memoirs. I explained the reasons and provided some practical tips for the importance of memoir writing and how to write them in a recent story titled Why and How I Write My Memoirs.
Here are three memoir examples from my collection this year.
One Wise Advice from My Grandma That Made Me Wealthy and Happy
How Science Captivated My Childhood Mind, Building the Foundation for Lifelong Research
Last year, I wrote 100+ insightful life lessons from my circles, covering the last 50+ years of experience. These stories performed relatively better than straightforward articles.
I hope my analysis can give you some perspectives and inspire you to find your voice and gain the desired visibility on this platform in 2024.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
To inform my new readers, I wrote numerous articles that might inform and inspire you. My topics include brain and cognitive function, significant health conditions, longevity, nutrition/food, valuable nutrients, ketogenic lifestyle, self-healing, weight management, writing/reading, and humor.
100+ Insightful Life Lessons from My Circles for the Last 50+ Years
I publish my health and wellness stories on EUPHORIA. My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness. Be Your Own Therapist in 10 Steps.
If you are a writer, you are welcome to join my publications by sending a request via this link. I support 27K+ writers who contribute to my publications on this platform. I also have another profile to write and curate tech stories.
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