WRITER’S STORIES
The Power of Consistency

“Five hundred and fifty articles,” I said to myself, a mix of pride and disbelief in my voice. That number is only on Medium, not counting one other blog I was originally active on. It felt surreal to think I had written so much, shared many ideas, and connected with countless readers over the years. But one thing made this journey possible: consistency.
The Beginning
I remember the early days vividly. My passion for writing began with a simple blog about gadgets on Blogspot. “Those were simpler times,” I often tell myself.
My love for technology and innovation drove me to share my thoughts with the world.
However, maintaining a regular writing schedule was challenging.
There were days when inspiration flowed effortlessly and others when I struggled to write a single sentence.
“What keeps you going?” I frequently asked myself during those tough days.
The answer was always the same: a deep-seated passion for sharing knowledge and making a difference.
Discovering the Power of Routine

It wasn’t until I transitioned to writing about the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart cities that I truly understood the power of consistency.
“If I want to make an impact, I need to show up regularly,” I reminded myself.
So, I set a goal: write at least one article every week.
It sounded simple, but the commitment required discipline.
Establishing a routine was my first step.
Every morning, I would sit down to write after a cup of tea either at my home or office.
Some days were easier than others, but I made it a non-negotiable part of my day. “It’s like going to the gym,” I mused. “The more you do it, the stronger you get.”
Finding My Voice

One of the most significant challenges I faced was finding my unique voice.
“How can I stand out in a sea of content?” I often wondered.
The answer came through trial and error.
I experimented with different styles, tones, and formats until I found what resonated with me and my audience.
Writing in the first person and incorporating self-dialogues became my signature style.
It allowed me to connect with my readers on a personal level. “This feels more authentic,” I thought.
Sharing my experiences, struggles, and triumphs made my articles relatable and engaging.
Staying Inspired
Maintaining consistency required more than just discipline; it required a steady stream of inspiration.
“Where do you find new ideas?” I would ask myself during moments of writer’s block.
The answer was everywhere.
My interactions with readers, the latest developments in IoT, and even everyday experiences became sources of inspiration.
One particular instance stands out.
I received a comment on one of my articles about the potential of IoT in agriculture.
The reader shared their experiences and challenges, sparking a new idea.
“This could be a great topic for my next article,” I realized. I never ran out of ideas by staying engaged with my audience and open to new perspectives.
Embracing Feedback

Another critical aspect of my journey was embracing feedback.
Not all comments were positive, and some critiques were hard to swallow.
“Is this really constructive?” I would sometimes think.
However, I learned to view every piece of feedback as an opportunity for growth. Constructive criticism helped me refine my ideas and improve my writing.
One memorable feedback came from a fellow writer who pointed out that my articles could benefit from more structured arguments.
“How can I make my points clearer?” I pondered.
This led me to adopt a more organized approach to presenting my ideas, making my articles more impactful and easier to follow.
The Role of Community
Building a community around my writing was an unexpected but invaluable part of my journey.
“How can I foster a sense of belonging?” I often wondered.
Engaging with my readers through comments, social media, and even webinars created a loyal following.
These interactions provided motivation and accountability, pushing me to keep writing.
I recall hosting a webinar on smart cities, during which a participant asked a thought-provoking question about data privacy.
“This deserves an in-depth article,” I thought. My sense of responsibility to my community inspired me to explore new topics and perspectives.
Measuring Progress

Tracking my progress was another key to maintaining consistency.
“How far have you come?” I would periodically ask myself.
I kept a record of my articles, noting the publication dates, topics, and reader engagement.
This provided a sense of accomplishment and helped identify patterns and trends in my writing.
One of my favorite tools was a simple spreadsheet.
“It’s amazing to see the journey laid out,” I often marveled.
Seeing the steady accumulation of articles over weeks, months, and years reinforced the importance of showing up consistently.
Overcoming Obstacles
The path to 550 articles was not without obstacles.
There were times when I questioned my abilities and faced external pressures.
“Can you really keep this up?” I doubted myself during particularly stressful periods. Balancing my role as CEO of FAVORIOT, speaking engagements, and writing was challenging.
In those moments, I reminded myself of why I started.
“Your voice matters,” I would reaffirm. Setting realistic goals and being kind to myself during setbacks helped me persevere.
Writing, I realized, was not just about quantity but also quality and authenticity.
Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, I see a growth, learning, and connection journey.
Writing 550 articles taught me the value of persistence and the power of routine.
It showed me that consistency is not about perfection but commitment and progress.
“You’ve come a long way,” I remind myself, grateful for every step of the journey.
To aspiring writers, I offer this piece of advice: embrace consistency.
Show up every day, even when it’s hard.
Find your voice, stay inspired, and engage with your community. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint. Each article is a milestone, a testament to your dedication and passion.
As I prepare to write my next article, I carry these lessons with me.
The journey continues, with it, the promise of new ideas, connections, and growth.
Here’s to the following 550 articles and beyond!
Discover more from Dr. Mazlan Abbas
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