Two Categories of Writers

Summary

The article distinguishes between two types of writers based on their attitudes towards learning and growth, emphasizing the importance of humility and continuous learning in the writing profession.

Abstract

The article categorizes writers into two mindsets: those who believe they have everything figured out, often leading to arrogance and stagnation, and those who maintain a humble approach, acknowledging that there is always more to learn. The author reflects on their own journey, from overconfidence in their early writing career to a realization of the vast knowledge and success of other writers on platforms like Medium. The piece encourages writers to embrace a learner's mindset, suggesting that this openness to growth is key to long-term success and fulfillment in the writing industry. It also highlights the solitary nature of self-publishing and the potential for overconfidence when immediate financial success is achieved.

Opinions

The author suggests that overconfidence can hinder a writer's progress, while a willingness to learn is crucial for sustained success.
The article implies that no matter how successful a writer becomes, there is always room for improvement and knowledge acquisition.
The author acknowledges their past overconfidence and attributes their shift in perspective to the exposure to a broader writing community on Medium.
It is conveyed that engagement with the work of other writers is not only humbling but also educational and inspiring.
The piece advocates for writers to remain humble, open-minded, and committed to continuous learning to achieve their goals.
The author emphasizes the importance of learning from others, especially from the experiences shared by successful writers on Medium.

There are two categories of writers.

The first one is I’ve got this figured out.”

The second one is “I can figure this out.”

Pay attention to the tone. The first one sounds arrogant and overconfident. Being overconfident will not lead anyone anywhere.

Maybe you had a good time today. Maybe you are making tons of money today. But what about tomorrow?

I was this in my 20s. I know, not good.

watch the second one. “I can figure this out.”

It sounds more humble.

What does a successful writer do? They keep on learning.

Do you want to make money as a writer? Do you want to make money from those drafts that have been lying in the abandoned folder of your computer for a very long time?

Learn. Learn. Learn from them and grow.

Even after 9 years, I still think I don’t know enough. When I was alone, self-publishing on KDP (it’s lonely, I admit!), I used to think I was brilliant!

Every time those numbers on my KDP dashboards increased, I used to feel confident that I could now make money as a writer. I have got this figured out! Finally!

Money changes us, right? Well, that confidence changed into overconfidence, and I never knew that. We can’t measure, can we?

But when I came here on Medium, well, the game changed. There are so, so many good writers who make way more money than me. They know so much more than me. Honestly, there are so many new writers on Medium who can do better than the rest of us.

I still have a lot to learn.

Be humble. Be open-minded. And keep on learning.

You’ll see yourself at the finish line soon.

Take care.

Two Categories of Writers

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