Staying True To Your Passion and Purpose

WRITER’S STORIES

In the end, the best tales are those that take time to unfold.

As I sit here reflecting on my past, I’m fighting a battle of emotions—a mix of frustration and pride.

People love to sell us stories of overnight success, of magic shortcuts that supposedly lead to instant fame and fortune. “Oh, how different reality is,” I often remind myself.

“Remember why you started, Mazlan?” Ten years ago, I was brimming with a desire to share my thoughts and insights with the world.

I took the plunge and began writing online.

Since then, it’s been a whirlwind filled with its own highs and lows.

I’ve built a community, launched a newsletter, and published books. I’ve grown immensely as a writer.

To outsiders, it may appear as though I’ve stumbled upon a glamorous success story. “But let me pull back the curtain for you,” I’d say if they were here.

Most people don’t see the immense amount of work that goes into each piece of content.

“I’ve published hundreds of stories to date!” Each one is like laying a brick in a vast wall.

I’m building brick by brick.

It can be tedious, and sometimes it truly is.

I’ve spent countless lonely hours at my keyboard, pouring my heart and soul into articles that sometimes never see the light of day — ending up in my drafts folder or disappearing into the internet’s black hole.

My follower count on Medium grew to over 2,000, which is an achievement.

Some articles have garnered good earnings, which are always a sweet bonus.

But behind these small victories lies a vast sea of quickly forgotten content.

“And frankly, I’m still far from making a living solely from my writing,” I sigh.

During moments of reflection, I often ask, “Is all this effort worth it?”

Doubt creeps in, and I grapple with thoughts of giving up.

During these times, I pause and reconnect with my initial motivations.

“Why did you start writing, Mazlan?” My goal has always been to empower people through my writing and create a community.

Being your coach and cheerleader is no easy feat — it’s mentally exhausting.

Yet, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than right here, right now, doing what I love, regardless of the outcome.

I’ve realized that every article I write, whether a hit or a miss, contributes to my growth as a writer.

When I doubt myself among successful peers, I step back.

“Look how far you’ve come, Mazlan,” I remind myself.

It’s essential to appreciate the journey.

The journey, with all its ups and downs, is what matters most.

The process of creating and expressing oneself is where the real value lies.

“You can’t fail if you’re doing what you love,” I affirm.

“But the moment you stop loving what you do, failure sneaks in.”

So, to anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed overnight, remember this: real success is not about hitting it big quickly.

It’s about resilience, writing your story over many nights, and staying true to your passion and purpose, no matter what.

“Let’s keep writing our own stories, filled with persistence and passion,” I encourage myself and others.

In the end, the best tales are those that take time to unfold.

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