Tag: Self-awareness

WRITER’S JOURNEY

Using these three (3) essential steps

When I started writing on Medium, I was eager to share my insights on IoT, smart cities, and entrepreneurship. However, like many new writers, I struggled to gain traction.

It was frustrating to see my articles receive little to no engagement despite the effort I put into them.

Over time, I realized that successful Medium writers often adopt specific strategies that set them apart. Drawing from my personal experiences, I’ll share three essential tips that helped transform my writing journey.

1 — Consistency is Key

When I began, I wrote sporadically, sometimes posting two articles in a week and then disappearing for a month.

This inconsistency was one of the main reasons my audience didn’t grow as I had hoped.

Successful Medium writers, I discovered, are remarkably consistent.

They show up regularly, daily, weekly, or bi-weekly.

Building a Routine

“Okay, Mazlan, you need a writing schedule,” I told myself one evening after noticing a particularly inactive month on my blog.

I decided to treat writing like any other important task in my life – something that required discipline and commitment.

I set a goal to write at least three articles a week.

Initially, it was challenging.

There were days when inspiration was elusive, and the words wouldn’t flow.

But I pushed through, reminding myself of the importance of consistency. Over time, writing became a habit, almost second nature.

Embracing the Grind

Sometimes, I felt like giving up, questioning if my efforts were worth it. “Is anyone even reading this?” I’d wonder aloud.

But then I remembered the advice of successful writers: consistency pays off. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Slowly but surely, my audience began to grow.

People started to recognize my name, and my articles received more engagement.

2 — Write for Your Audience, Not for Yourself

One of the biggest mistakes I made initially was writing articles that I found interesting without considering what my audience wanted.

Successful Medium writers understand their readers deeply and create content tailored to their interests and needs.

Understanding My Audience

To better understand my audience, I started paying close attention to the comments on my articles, the questions people asked, and the topics that resonated most with my readers.

I realized that while I loved diving deep into the technical aspects of IoT, my readers were more interested in practical applications and real-world case studies.

“Why don’t you write more about how IoT can solve everyday problems?” a reader once commented.

It was a lightbulb moment for me.

Adapting My Content

With this new understanding, I shifted my focus.

Instead of writing purely technical articles, I started sharing stories of how IoT technology was being used innovatively to improve lives.

I wrote about smart cities implementing IoT solutions to reduce traffic congestion or farmers using IoT devices to optimize crop yields.

This shift made a significant difference.

My articles started to resonate more with my audience.

They found value in my content because it addressed their interests and provided practical insights they could relate to.

3 — Engage with the Community

Writing on Medium isn’t just about posting articles and hoping for the best. It’s about being part of a community.

Successful Medium writers actively engage with other writers and readers.

They comment on others’ posts, respond to comments on their articles, and participate in discussions.

Building Relationships

I realized that I needed to be more active in the Medium community to grow as a writer.

I started reading more articles from other writers, leaving thoughtful comments, and engaging in conversations.

This helped me learn from others and increased my visibility on the platform.

One day, I left a comment on an article about the future of smart cities.

The author responded, and we ended up having a lengthy discussion about the potential of IoT in urban planning.

This interaction led to a collaboration on a co-authored article, bringing new readers to our profiles.

Responding to Feedback

Engaging with my readers also meant responding to their comments and feedback.

Initially, I would just hit the “like” button on comments, but I soon realized that taking the time to respond thoughtfully made a big difference.

It showed my readers that I valued their input and appreciated their engagement.

“Thank you for this insight! Have you considered writing about IoT in healthcare?” a reader once asked.

This led to an entire series of articles exploring the use of IoT in different sectors, which became some of my most popular posts.

Reflections and Growth

Looking back, these three tips – consistency, writing for my audience, and engaging with the community – have been crucial in my growth as a writer on Medium.

They transformed my approach and helped me connect with readers more deeply.

The Road Ahead

As I continue my writing journey, I remain committed to these principles.

There’s always room for improvement, and I constantly seek ways to refine my craft.

Writing is a continuous learning process; each article is an opportunity to grow and connect with my audience.

If you’re a new writer on Medium, remember that success doesn’t happen overnight.

It takes time, effort, and a willingness to adapt and learn.

Be consistent, understand your audience, and engage with the community.

These strategies won’t just help you grow as a writer – they’ll help you build meaningful connections and create content that resonates.

As I write my next article, I remind myself of my journey.

The struggles, the small victories, and the lessons learned along the way.

And with each keystroke, I’m one step closer to becoming the writer I aspire to be.

Writing on Medium has been a rewarding experience filled with challenges and growth.

By adopting the strategies of successful writers, I’ve learned to navigate this journey with a clearer sense of direction and purpose.

WRITING STORIES

Why You Should Not Give Up Writing When No One is Reading Your Articles

There I was, staring at my blog’s analytics, disheartened by the lack of traffic. The numbers were abysmally low, almost non-existent.

“Why am I even doing this?” I thought, frustration bubbling up inside me.

This wasn’t the first time I had felt this way. But then, I remembered a conversation I had with myself years ago when I first embarked on this writing journey.

The Beginning

“Do you remember why you started this, Mazlan?” I asked myself, my younger self nodding in response.

“It wasn’t about the numbers or the recognition. It was about sharing your knowledge, insights, and passion for IoT and technology.”

“Yeah, but what’s the point if no one is reading?” my younger self retorted, a hint of desperation in his voice.

“The point is that every piece you write is a step forward,” I replied, my voice firm but encouraging.

“Every article helps you refine your thoughts, improve your skills, and build your body of work. Even if no one reads it now, that doesn’t mean they won’t in the future.”

Finding the Purpose in Writing

Writing has always been a deeply personal endeavor for me.

It’s a way to document my journey, express my thoughts and ideas, and connect with like-minded individuals.

But not every piece will be an instant hit.

Sometimes, it feels like shouting into the void.

But then, I remind myself of a lesson I learned early on.

“Mazlan, writing is a marathon, not a sprint,” I often tell myself.

It’s about persistence, about showing up even when no one is listening.

Every article, every post, every word written is a brick laid on the path towards becoming a better writer and thinker.

Overcoming Self-Doubt

“But what if I’m not good enough?” my self-doubt whispered, a familiar yet unwelcome voice.

“Everyone starts somewhere,” I countered, remembering the countless drafts and revisions that shaped my early articles.

“The only way to improve is to keep writing. Every writer faces rejection and criticism, but those who persist ultimately succeed.”

The Journey

There were times when I felt like giving up.

I remember one particularly rough patch when my articles seemed to need to be noticed.

It was during this time that I had another pivotal conversation with myself.

The Turning Point

“Maybe it’s time to quit,” my frustrated self said, slumping in defeat.

“Or maybe it’s time to change your perspective,” I responded, a spark of determination igniting.

“Focus on the joy of writing, the process of learning, and the satisfaction of creating something from nothing. The recognition will come, but only if you keep going.”

It was a turning point for me.

I started to enjoy the process more, to find joy in the act of writing itself rather than the external validation.

And slowly, things began to change.

My articles started to gain traction, and I received feedback from readers who found value in my words.

Celebrating Small Wins

“Hey, look at this comment!” my excited self exclaimed one day, pointing at a heartfelt message from a reader.

“See? Your words are making an impact,” I said, a smile spreading across my face.

“Celebrate these small wins, and let them fuel your passion to keep writing.”

The Importance of Consistency

Consistency has been critical in my writing journey.

I’ve learned that writing regularly is crucial even when it feels like no one is reading.

It builds discipline and hone your craft.

I remember when I committed to writing several articles per month, regardless of the readership.

The Power of Consistency

“Do you think this will pay off?” my skeptical self asked, eyeing the blank page in front of us.

“It’s not about immediate rewards,” I replied, my voice steady with conviction.

“It’s about laying the groundwork for long-term success. Consistency breeds improvement, and improvement attracts readers.”

Connecting with the Right Audience

Over time, I realized that finding the right audience is as essential as writing the content.

I started sharing my articles on different platforms, engaging with communities interested in IoT and technology, and participating in discussions.

This helped me connect with readers who genuinely appreciated my work.

Expanding Reach

“Maybe you should try sharing your articles in new places,” my strategic self suggested.

“Good idea,” I nodded. “Let’s explore forums, social media groups, and other platforms where our target audience hangs out. It’s about meeting readers where they are.”

Learning from Feedback

Feedback, both positive and negative, has been invaluable. It has helped me grow as a writer and better understand my audience.

I remember receiving constructive criticism on one of my early articles, which initially stung but ultimately made me a better writer.

Embracing Criticism

“Ouch, that was harsh,” my hurt self winced, reading the critique.

“Take it as a lesson,” I advised, my voice gentle but firm. “Every piece of feedback is an opportunity to learn and improve. Embrace it, and use it to grow.”

Finding Your Voice

One of the most significant milestones in my writing journey was finding my unique voice.

It took time and experimentation, but eventually, I discovered a style that resonated with my readers.

Writing in the first person and using self-dialogues has been a game-changer, making my articles more relatable and engaging.

Discovering My Voice

“I feel like I’m finally finding my groove,” my excited self said, a new confidence in his voice.

“That’s because you’re being true to yourself,” I replied, a sense of pride welling up. “Keep writing from the heart, and your audience will find you.”

The Joy of Writing

Ultimately, writing has brought me immense joy and fulfillment.

It has allowed me to express myself, share my knowledge, and connect with people worldwide.

Even during the tough times, I’ve always found solace in writing.

Rediscovering Joy

“Why do we keep doing this?” my weary self asked during a particularly challenging period.

“Because it’s what we love,” I answered, a smile spreading across my face. “Writing is a part of who we are. It’s our way of making a difference, one word at a time.”

Never Give Up

So, to anyone who feels like giving up on writing because no one is reading, remember this: Your words matter, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. Keep writing, keep learning, and keep pushing forward. The journey may be arduous, but the rewards are worth it.

Final Encouragement

“Do you think we’ll ever reach a wide audience?” my hopeful self asked.

“I believe we will,” I said confidently. “But even if we don’t, the journey itself is worth every word written. Never give up because your voice deserves to be heard.”

Writing is a journey of persistence, passion, and continuous growth.

It’s about staying true to yourself and finding joy in the process.

So, keep writing; one day, your audience will find you.