Why You Should Keep Writing

Even when it feels like no one is reading …

Whether we admit it or not, we humans always want validation and appreciation.

The mere fact that someone else loves our work and lets us know is enough reason to make us push harder. Feeling that our work is good enough leaves us wanting more recognition to the extent that we never want compliments to stop coming.

However, what happens when the recognition and growth we crave isn’t forthcoming?

Now imagine this: you have toiled for hours, writing from page to page. Editing, adding, subtracting, reforming and trying to get your writing sample in top form. Then you post it. One hour, two hours, twenty-four hours later ….10likes, little or no comments, no shares, no new followers, minimal views…nothing.

Then you begin to question your competency and originality. Why don’t people like my work this time? What could be wrong? Why isn’t this article getting as much attention as the last one?

Sometimes, writing comes with unexpected twists and turns. The advent of technology and the piercing eyes of social media have further increased the need for validation. This is because we are only a click away from being seen by the world.

There are too many opinions on what perfection is. Hence, we constantly strive to fit into other people’s books of what the ideal form of writing is.

It gets overly intense when we allow it to affect our work as writers.

If you are at your wits’ end and are considering giving up on your writing dreams because you are not getting that all-round applause which you think you deserve, your writing will suffer greatly!

It is no news that most writers have experienced this rough patch. Sometimes, it may seem as though building an audience is one of life’s hardest things to do.

Imagine starting your writing career with high hopes and a heart full of expectations. All of a sudden, your vision and set goals begin to dwindle because you can’t cope with pressure. You can’t stand your work not being liked or appreciated by others from whom you expect some sort of loyalty.

The truth is, people only like and acknowledge what gives them value. You can’t force anyone to agree with your stance all the time. Knowing this should bring you some form of inner peace.

You may have been writing for so long and can’t seem to wonder why someone else who doesn’t even write as regularly as you do is always trending!

If you are currently battling with the above mindset, here are some tips to help you stay focused whenever you feel like you are losing motivation to write:

1. Keep building your confidence

Start by inspiring yourself.

Constantly ask yourself ‘how’ you can write better. Voice your inner thoughts the best way you know how to. Write with a new level of confidence.

Can anyone else possibly write your thoughts better than you? Maybe not.

There are several arguments on whether qualitative or quantitative writing is the best. Pick whichever works for you, as long as you are able to communicate properly to your readers.

2. Isolation

If you are in an environment that doesn’t inspire you to be a better version of yourself, by all means, leave!

If you are stuck in a place where competition is unhealthy, get yourself out. It may not even be a physical place. It could be on social media or even in your head. Re-set your mind!

Know that you also have to build your self-worth to a point where nothing throws you off balance. Someone else’s victory, affluence or recognition shouldn’t push you so hard to depression or losing sight of your own goals.

Stop waiting for notifications on who has or hasn’t read your piece. It’s like watching a kettle of water boil. Reduce your time on social media if it forces you to think other writers have a seemingly perfect life. More often than not, this is not the case.

Rather than concentrating on external validation and competition, put more effort into your writing.

It may not seem that simple, but try it first. Then, repeat over and over.

3. Write simply because you love doing so

Learn to enjoy writing as a genuine form of self-expression. Find motivation and draw strength from within.

Don’t let it be so much about numbers that you start losing focus. Keep doing it because it brings you joy and a sense of fulfillment.

When you don’t receive the kind of support you hoped for, don’t stop pushing. What makes life interesting is its unpredictability. Just as there are high days, there are also low days.

What matters most is being able to strike a balance while staying true to your craft.

Write like no one is reading — Crystal woods

4. Write, read and engage more.

Regardless of how things are, enjoy the process. Build relationships with more writers and constantly learn from them. If you need a mentor, work towards getting one.

Reading widely also takes you a step further because it exposes you to newer forms and styles of improving your writing.

Remember, anything that causes you to worry about viewership shouldn’t be so overwhelming to kill your desire to churn out greater pieces. Set a goal and strive to meet it.

“You fail only if you stop writing.”- Ray Bradbury