The One Thing That Always Saves Me From Quitting Writing.

Quit? Don't even think about it.

Discouragement will sometimes rear its ugly head. We think the most leisurely escape is quitting.

Even the things we love to do and enjoy, we consider quitting them.

I've had some discouraging days; one quite recent. The inspiration to write wasn't forthcoming for a whole week.

Then the thoughts come swirling in my head— “Donnette, it's time you quit writing”. I was in awe that I was thinking like this.

Don't get me wrong; I’m not a quitter. On the contrary, I‘m the one to ride out the tough times when they come along. I wholeheartedly believe in the words of Napoleon Hill — "A quitter never wins, and a winner never quits." But I bet you if ever I have a good reason to quit anything, then I’ll know it's the right time and best thing.

Today, I know it is neither the right time nor is it best to quit writing.

You may have moments when you feel you want to quit writing.

You question your writing journey in search of justification for your plan of action.

"Is the effort I'm putting into writing worth it"?

"Is the time vs. the compensation makes sense"?

"Am I benefiting from writing in any way"?

Like me, you probably sometimes lose the inspiration to write.

There's no denying it, writing takes time. To be successful on Medium, will take more time and a lot more. You’ll soon realize this after being on the platform for some time.

Let me share a bit with you about my medium journey.

I discovered Medium during the heat of the pandemic in late 2020 after reading an article written by Ayodeji Awosika. His writings so engaging sent me into a reading frenzy. So when my free reads ended, I didn't hesitate to subscribe to medium.

I initially joined to read. Then, I soon realized I, too, could write. So, after a few months in, I gave up on self-doubting and started writing in March 2021 and gradually built a consistency.

Medium is like a magnet. You get sucked in by its warm embrace without realizing it.

I've spent hours on medium — writing, reading, commenting and learning. Albert Einstein says, "Time flies when you are having fun” Likewise, I say time goes faster when you're surrounded by like-minded people.

But recently, I've been on a time monitor. I have to be practical — albeit, Medium continues to rob me of the time allotted to other things I must do throughout the day.

So here's about me career-wise and how I spend my days.

I'm an entrepreneur. I manage my brand marketing and distribution business back home in Jamaica — of course, virtually since I migrated to the United States 7 years ago. I also work a corporate 9–5 in New York City, where I live, also working virtually since the pandemic. Then there is my writing — my recent newfound love, and my daily everyday chores.

My days are full. Managing my time is pivotal.

Brainstorming topics on which to write can take days, sometimes, even a whole week. Unfortunately, I’m not one of those writers who swiftly write an article in 30 mins or an hour.

I write personal stories. I need inspiration to write. Contrary to the advice given by some writers to preplan at least ten headlines per day to make things easier, I chose to follow the way that works best for me — I’m an impromptu writer.

I'm not debating writing efficacy or what's right or wrong. I'm just saying it's not the way I approach my writing. I write from the heart — my personal experiences as they happen or something that brings back some sort of memories — telling it the way it is — no false narrative or diversion from the truth for the sake of making it look good on the pages.

I don't write for the money. If I did, I would have given up writing long ago. But, there's no doubt, being rewarded is encouraging and it is very important to some writers — and that's ok. We all write for different reasons. Our inspirations, motivation, and circumstances are diversely different.

Here's why I write

I write to heal myself from past hurt and pain. I share my stories hoping that they will resonate and help someone going through a similar situation. I write to make sense of life — to unfold challenges that I face every day.

I write to express myself more clearly and share my thoughts with others and ultimately become a better person and make a difference to humanity.

Sometimes even with good intentions, we lose our purpose along the way — We need a little boost to remind us of why we do the things we love to prevent us from quitting them.

Now Here's the one thing that has always motivated me and prevented me from quitting writing.

My fellow writers here on Medium.

Yes, that's you and you too. You’ve kept me writing on days I feel like quitting.

Sometimes the world seems so brutal. Yet, reading and engaging with you makes me realize the world still has so many good people in it. Some of you are right here on Medium. You're the people I've come to know through your writing. I may have only known you for a short time, yet it seems like a lifetime.

It is proof that friendship can be beneficial if even from a distance.

I wouldn't want to get into name-calling for fear, I may miss out on someone. Every one of you is unique in your special ways. You know yourself — You're the people who support every piece I write and comment on them. This is the most significant encouragement that has kept me writing even on days when I feel like quitting.

But I must shout out three exceptional human beings I’ve come to know. First, Vishnu*s Virtues. Vishnu helped me come out of my shell when I was scared to write about my personal experiences. Vishnu is taking a break from writing, but there is so much I’ve learned from him. His writing is available for you to read and learn from him. Then there is Art Bram. He may be a few years older than I am, but Art has such a love for humanity. You feel it in every line he writes. His humor is to die for. Art is also an editor over at Boomerangs. Check out Art’s writing if it's even for the humor. And how can I forget Aaditya Rajagopalan He's a young man with such love for his sister who is battling Autism and Elipsy. Aaditya has taught me so much about unconditional love.

Thank you all for being so supportive. You are the reason I’m still here writing.

Here is my encouragement to you.

When you think your words don't matter, think again. Words heal. Words motivate and are sometimes the only friend and comfort to some readers out there.

It is proof, no man is an island. We all need people to thrive and make living meaningful and worthwhile.

So, my friends, there are days you'll feel to quit writing. It happens to the best of us. But today, I want to encourage you to reflect on what led you here in the beginning.

You may have missed your writing expectations and targets. You might be thinking you should be much further ahead as a writer on Medium. As a result, the journey may seem like you've made little progress — You feel discouraged. But always remember, everything takes time. Sometimes even with much effort, you might not see immediate or favorable results. Exercise patience during these times.

I implore you to go at a pace that feels right for you. Don't let others’ success make you feel like a loser. Instead, focus on your journey and what you want to achieve and work towards them.