The mindset that will (quickly) improve your writing

How badly do you want to be successful on Medium?

Very?

You’re not gonna make it by following the herd.

To enter the top 20% in any space, you MUST have an overwhelming desire to succeed.

Medium is no different.

You have to cultivate a mindset that supports your vision.

Here’s exactly how to do it —

“I would write, but I don’t have enough time.”

Yeah, this is cardinal sin number one.

The truth is, you don’t have a time problem.

You have a efficiency problem.

Let’s say you come home from work and only have an hour to write.

It’s crucial to focus on high-impact work that WILL make significant momentum towards your goals.

Not low-impact work that eats away at your time.

Think of it this way.

If you’re writing on Medium with the goal of making money, there are only a few actions that will take you there.

Writing high-quality, useful articles.

Getting people to click your articles.

Getting people to read your articles.

I’ll break these rules down a little bit more.

When you’re writing, try this:

STEP 1 — Define your exact target audience

My target audience for this article is someone like me — a young writer who wants to grow his audience on Medium.

STEP 2 — Have a concept that is helpful to your audience

This article is really about actionable ways to become a more effective writer. The title is just a catchier version of that.

STEP 3 — Consider your tone of voice

People don’t want to read endless paragraphs on Medium. Write like you’re explaining something to a younger version of yourself.

STEP 4 — Let the words flow, edit later

Don’t block your thoughts from hitting the paper (or screen).

“Nobody clicks on my articles.”

The solution to this problem is simple.

Ask yourself this —

Why did I click on that last article I just read?

STEP 1 — Use inspiration from titles you’ve clicked on before

A fellow writer friend told me to always keep a running list of titles that I’ve clicked on before.

Now I have a catalogue of highly clickable titles at my disposal.

STEP 2— Create an interesting hook

You can use the same method as title creation. Starting a hook with “imagine” or a rhetorical question are also easy ways to get the ideas flowing.

STEP 3 — Use a captivating thumbnail

Go to YouTube and type in the title to your article.

What type of thumbnails are you seeing?

That’s your inspiration right there.

“My read ratio is trash.”

If your getting clicks but no reads, it’s a sign that you aren’t providing value and engagement to your readers.

This is arguably the most difficult aspect of writing. Especially in the age of short-form content, you need to draw and keep attention.

Experiment with different tones, lengths, topics, and see what works best.

Every writer is uniquely skilled with a certain style.

Just do you.

“I can’t think of anything to write.”

You don’t have a writer’s block problem.

You have an OUTLET PROBLEM.

Inspiration comes and goes.

Like many people, I have some of my best epiphanies in the shower.

I’m pretty sure I’ve found the solution to world peace during one of these heavenly sessions.

But guess what?

I forgot it.

You’re having thoughts in your brain 24/7/365.

The problem is — they are trapped.

The act of writing brings those thoughts out of the box and converts them into art.

And your art can make you rich.

Keep a journal. Use your Notes app. Write down ideas on your hands.

Moments of inspiration can change your life.

When you sit down to write, you need to put all of your effort into improving your craft.

Nothing else matters.

Again —

When you’re writing, spend time doing high-impact work.

Not low-impact work.

How do you differentiate between the two?

Ask yourself this.

Will doing this really get more people to click and read my article?

If the answer is no, it’s low impact.

We don’t do that.

Passion is everything.

If you’re passionate about your writing, NOBODY will be able to stop you.

Because while they’re slaving away writing a generic article on “how to make $10,000/month on Medium in 2024” —

You’re straight up having fun.

They can’t outwork passion.

Passion + these tips —

You’ll be invincible.