Why I Am Not Afraid of Failure
Every writer/blogger has to start somewhere
Every day I come across profiles of new writers who seem to follow the same sad yet recurring trend — coming in with big expectations, posting like crazy for a few weeks, and then abruptly disappearing.
Where to?
I have no idea. Perhaps life happened or they discovered greener pastures.
Or maybe they were disappointed when they didn’t see immediate results.
Whatever gives them the idea that one or a few back-to-back posts are going to propel them to success, I wonder?
I have been here for a little over a year and let me tell you that overnight success seldom happens unless you happen to go seriously viral — which rarely happens.
Well, some can argue that I don’t seem to have done too shabbily myself.
Okay — let’s break that down for a second:
How would you define success on a platform such as Medium?
- Followers? If so then ✅ 4K (organically grown👉 “How I Build my Audience as a Newbie”)
- Engagement? If so then ✅ because I seem to be able to draw that as well
- $100 club/viral articles ✅ and ✅
If these criteria are what defines ‘success’ then let me give you, dear new writer, an idea of what goes on behind the scenes here and on Newsbreak where I seem to have achieved success (4-figure earnings in a relatively short time).
1️⃣The real meaning of consistency: Everyone and their uncle talks about the importance of consistency. And rightfully so.
Personally speaking, I have not taken a single day off from writing this past year.
No, I am not a full writer yet and I have a life but the fact is I am working (not publishing) every opportunity I get (think lunch break, airport lounge, hospital waiting room, commute) be it creating, brainstorming, reading, learning, promoting, or helping build community on Medium.
Nobody is forcing me to do it. I enjoy what I do so I do it.
2️⃣Does every third article you read on this platform give you a sense of dé·jà Vu? If you asked me if it is a good strategy I would say definitely not, especially if you are looking to stand out in your niche(s).
I write about life experiences that are unique to me, so, I don’t emulate anyone’s style and end up sounding like a carbon copy. I also try to convey my stories in a manner that I, an avid reader, would want to read.
And the 5 ingredients that go into them are:
❤ Vulnerability
❤ Honesty
❤ Emotions
❤ My voice and personality
❤Not interested in wasting anybody's time, mine included, by shooting the breeze (long-winded paragraphs, writing about my toenails, etc) so I keep things short and simple (KISS).
3️⃣You try, you fail, you try again: I have tried several different online platforms to see which work and which don’t. The truth is I did not gain any traction on those that were touted by the experts to be the next best thing until I decided to narrow them down and focus on those that I thought are the best fit.
❤ Started from 0 to 13K on NB
❤ Started from 0 to 3K on Twitter
❤ Got invited to the Quora+revenue share program
❤Landed freelancing clients
What I’m trying to say it is a great field if you have the passion for it but if you are under any misconception that success happens overnight, then you will be in for a world of disappointment. It involves a lot of hard work, constant learning, and most importantly, leaving the fear of failure at the door.
For me, those included trying on Simily & Vocal Media and bombing rather spectacularly, obtaining only 2 referred memberships thus far (for which I’m immensely grateful), no Ko-fi despite promotion, and no tips.
But does that stop me from trying? Heck no!
🌸Over the weekend I joined Instagram to see what the hoopla is all about. I’m a newbie there so tips and strategies on how to gain traction are welcome. Thanks in advance!
🌸Want to be a writer for Reciprocal? Then click👉here
🌸I’d like to share some reads from 4 upcoming writers. Do read and encourage them, thanks.