avatarRachele A

Summary

The article provides practical advice for beginners on Medium, emphasizing the importance of starting to write and publish without over-preparing or seeking immediate fame.

Abstract

The author, a self-proclaimed perfectionist, shares personal insights on the journey to publishing on Medium. Initially consumed by the pressure to excel and the need for a logo, niche, and landing page, the author delayed publishing for months. The shift came with the realization that starting quietly and immediately was more beneficial than waiting for the perfect moment. The article suggests that new writers should begin their Medium journey without fanfare, focusing on developing a consistent writing routine to meet their own standards of perfection. It encourages embracing imperfection and recognizes that the first article is unlikely to achieve viral success, advocating for a gradual and secretive approach to nourish one's writing daily without the immediate pressure of public scrutiny.

Opinions

  • The author believes in the "go big or go home" mindset initially led to procrastination and delayed publication.
  • Perfectionism is seen as an obstacle to starting, with the author suggesting that it's better to start imperfectly than not to start at all.
  • The fear of failure and shame is acknowledged, but the author argues that these feelings should not prevent one from beginning to write and publish.
  • Starting quietly allows for personal growth without the pressure of public exposure and potential judgment.
  • The author values consistent effort and routine in writing, viewing it as a path to achieving personal standards of perfection.
  • The article implies that the pursuit of immediate fame or viral success is less important than the act of writing and improving over time.
  • English being the author's second language is presented as a challenge, but also as a potential excuse for not starting or for perceived writing deficiencies.

The Most Practical Advice for Beginners on Medium

An unconventional piece of advice on writing on Medium for the first time

Photo by United Nations COVID-19 Response on Unsplash

Before I started publishing my own content on Medium I binged every article/video/podcast on How to write better, How to be a part of big publications, How to reach millions of people in a week.

I’ve always considered myself a perfectionist and also in this case my expectations weren’t disappointed.

Go big or go home was my personal motto.

In my mind, I would have to create a logo, choose a niche, make a landing page (maybe even make it myself, and learn how to program).

I mean, you get it. Wanting to do things in the best way possible and show readers my 100% prepared self I continued to delay the publication of my first article on Medium.

From April, when I subscribed to the platform, it took me until October to finally write and hit ‘publish’.

Did I had 20 ready-to-go newsletters in my pocket? No.

I had practiced writing to the point of looking like Stephen King’s illegitimate daughter? Nope.

So what changed?

How does a perfectionist start on Medium?

Starting quietly and starting now.

The best day to start was yesterday. Today is the second best day — TJ. Day

The biggest obstacle between us and that little green publishing button is ourselves.

We are the worst critics of our work, those who believe less in the words we write.

Starting silently helped me kick off momentum. Publishing my first article without telling anyone — except my boyfriend who lives with me and who patiently corrects my English grammar.

If I flopped no one would know, the shame would not come upon me.

I am still a bit ashamed of what I write, being English my second language is frustrating not being able to communicate effectively what’s in my head, or maybe this is just another excuse.

It’s unlikely that the first published article will go viral, lead to exposure, and worldwide fame.

Then we might as well start quietly.

The important thing is to start and begin now.

And show up every day, creating a writing routine, only this way you’ll be able to get closer to your own standards of perfection.

Don’t be afraid to fail. Write, do, and if you are a perfectionist like me start gradually. Make it your special secret to nourish every day.

Hold the fireworks baby, there’s always time for exposure.

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