Writer = Footballer
In fact, there are many similarities between both of them.
“Just as every football player knows that the strength of the team is each individual member, and the strength of each member is the team, every writer on Medium understands that our words gain strength from the community we build and engage with.”
Writing and football might seem worlds apart – one a solitary and reflective activity, the other a dynamic and physical team sport.
However, reflecting on my experiences as a writer on Medium, I inevitably find myself drawing comparisons to the life of a football player.
Let me share my perspective on how crafting articles on this popular platform mirrors the discipline, creativity, and teamwork found in football.
The Training Ground: Honing Skills and Strategy
“Both in football and in writing for Medium, every day is game day, and every publication is a play that demands our best – honing our skills, strategizing our moves, and playing our hearts out in the field of creative expression.”
Every football player knows that success on the field begins with rigorous training off it.
Similarly, as a writer on Medium, I see each piece I write as part of my training.
Just as a footballer drills techniques and strategies, I refine my writing skills – vocabulary, syntax, structure – with every article I publish.
In both arenas, staying informed about the latest trends and strategies is crucial.
A footballer watches matches and learns new tactics; I keep abreast of popular topics and writing styles on Medium.
This ongoing learning process is vital for growth and adaptation, ensuring that we stay relevant and competitive.
The Game Day: Publishing and Performance
Publishing an article on Medium feels akin to a football player stepping onto the pitch on match day.
There’s a mix of excitement and nervousness, knowing that your hard work and practice are about to be put to the test in front of an audience.
In football, players must read the game and adapt to evolving situations.
Similarly, once my article is live on Medium, I monitor its performance – views, reads, and engagement – and respond accordingly.
I might tweak the title, adjust the tags, or promote it on social media, much like how a footballer adjusts their play based on the opponent’s tactics or the game’s flow.
The Team Effort: Community and Collaboration
While writing is often seen as a solitary endeavor, my experience on Medium has been deeply communal, reminiscent of being part of a football team.
On a team, players support one another, celebrate successes, and learn from defeats together.
On Medium, fellow writers and readers form a supportive community where feedback, encouragement, and shared learning flourish.
Collaborations on Medium – be it through responses, highlighting, or joint publications – mirror the cooperative spirit of football, where combining individual strengths leads to greater success.
Just as footballers form alliances on the field, writers on Medium build networks, enhancing each other’s visibility and success.
Overcoming Challenges: Resilience and Adaptation
Both in football and on Medium, setbacks and challenges are inevitable.
A football player might face injuries or poor form, just as a Medium writer encounters writer’s block or fluctuating engagement.
In both cases, resilience is key.
Learning from failures, refining strategies, and persisting despite obstacles are as essential for a Medium writer as for a football player.
Embracing criticism, adapting to change, and maintaining a growth mindset are crucial for long-term success and improvement in both fields.
The Joy of Scoring: Recognition and Reward
“The thrill of scoring on the football field and resonating with readers on Medium share the same core: the joy of making an impact, the exhilaration of shared success, and the sweet reward of recognition for one’s passion and hard work.”
The thrill of scoring a goal in football is unparalleled, offering a sense of achievement and recognition.
Similarly, when an article resonates with readers on Medium, the positive feedback, comments, and applause provide a comparable rush of satisfaction and validation.
Moreover, just as footballers aspire to win championships and earn accolades, successful Medium writers gain recognition through increased readership, Top Writer status, or even monetization opportunities.
These achievements motivate continued effort, creativity, and engagement with the platform.
Final Whistle: Continuous Learning and Passion
“The discipline of a football player and the creativity of a Medium writer merge on the common ground of relentless pursuit – chasing the ball or chasing the word, each stride is fueled by an undying passion to express, engage, and excel
Ultimately, whether playing football or writing on Medium, the journey is one of continuous learning, passion, and growth.
The dedication to improve, the joy found in the process, and the commitment to sharing one’s talents with others are common threads that bind these seemingly disparate activities.
My experience as a writer on Medium resonates deeply with the attributes of a football player.
The discipline, community, adaptability, and pursuit of excellence in both fields underscore the unexpected yet profound parallels between them.
Through this lens, I approach my writing with the same enthusiasm, strategy, and team spirit that I admire in football, striving to make each article a testament to the shared virtues of both passions.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 