The Upside To Sharing A Few Writing Tips Is Helping Others

One small suggestion can have a really big impact on somebody who is just beginning

I remember the first day that I started on Medium. I really do.

Back then, I thought, “What is this app and what can I do with it?”

I had no idea and so I just started. I committed myself day after day and then year after year.

But what would I do differently?

That made me think about notes and giving reminders to myself like I do on a regular basis. It’s part of my process.

• Think of a new angle
• Always be working on something
• Keep things fresh
• Have lots of fun too

These notes, and others like them, help motivate me to keep me focused, keep me on the right track, and keep me engaged.

Notes to Past Self

What if I had a time machine and I could go back to my first day on Medium and tell myself something? I wonder what I would write.

I can’t say that there are any hidden tricks or secrets that would have made things easier. If so, I would share that for sure. After all, saving time and energy is always a good thing.

Here are some things I might tell myself in the past:

1. Have more fun with your writing and your interests. Most readers want to be entertained, or at least they want to have a good time when they are reading new content. It’s a big deal if you are writing about a personal passion because it shows in your effort.
2. Find favorite people. Having a few good reliable friends helps so much in life and the same goes on Medium. Imagine having 10 followers who actively engage with you every day and support you and your content. That would be a great thing, for sure.
3. Focus on consistency. You don’t have to write every day, of course. But try to stay active with your content. Writing is a business with a short shelf life and there is plenty of competition.
4. Give of yourself. Just like in regular life, you want to give your full attention to people when you are there with them. Try to engage sincerely every chance you get.

Notes to Future Self

How can I help the person I am in the future? That makes no sense.

Actually, it is very crucial.

Here are some notes that I might give to myself in the future:

1. Success can change quickly. A very good month one time is not a guarantee of future results. Stay humble because you don’t know what’s on the horizon.
2. Be open to change. It may not be easy, but you might find yourself needing to adapt if you want to survive. That means doing better, working harder, giving more effort, making things look more professional, and improving the quality of your product. You have to ask yourself if you can make the changes that are needed, and then you need to go do it.
3. Have a backup plan. Life can throw a lot at it so don’t think that what works today is always going to work tomorrow. Consider a timeline when X or Y doesn’t work out like you thought it would. Then what? It’s certainly something that I think about on a regular basis.

Your Notes

What notes would you give others? Your advice really matters and can help somebody who is just starting on Medium or who just wants to be a writer.

After all, your progress in terms of writing and making money is probably a lot different than that of others. Your opinion matters and any advice you have can go a long way.

This New Year

We’ve only just begun, like the famous song says. There will be changes and updates along the way.

Your notes and suggestions may change over time. If so, share what you can in the community that we have.

Notes matter. Comments and connecting go a long way on the road to success. If you can, share what works every chance that you get.