Mastering Medium: 200 Posts Later, Essential Lessons Learned
A Blogger's Guide to Effective Writing, Audience Engagement, and Overcoming Fear
It was July, 2022. That’s when I began writing on Medium. But I signed up two years prior.
I was afraid to start writing. Then afraid to hit publish. Became afraid of who will read it.
That’s all history now.
Once I got brave, I endured.
It’s now an integral part of my routine.
The very thing that I was afraid of would fundamentally reshape my understanding of writing, creativity, and personal development.
This week, I published my 200th blog post on Medium.
It seemed impossible when I decided to do something about my dormant account.
The journey from hesitation to a prolific presence on Medium was fraught with moments of self-doubt and the looming specter of the "terror barrier," a concept I learned from Bob Proctor.
This invisible threshold, which once seemed insurmountable, marked the transition from fear to action, from silence to expression. Here are the invaluable lessons I've learned along the way:
1. Embrace the Terror Barrier: The initial fear of starting and the subsequent dread of publishing were my first encounters with the terror barrier. It was a visceral reminder that growth often lies on the other side of fear. Each post, from the first to the 200th, has been a step toward embracing vulnerability and the unknown.
2. Headlines Matter: Crafting headlines became an art and science in itself. I learned that a compelling headline does more than capture attention; it sets the stage for the narrative, inviting readers into a conversation. The balance between intrigue and clarity in a headline can make or break the reader's decision to engage.
3. The Power of Format: The structure of a blog post can enhance or hinder the reader's experience. Breaking down content into digestible sections, using subheadings, and employing lists made my posts more accessible. A well-organized article not only retains readers but also guides them through the intended message seamlessly.
4. The Role of Photos: Incorporating images transformed the visual appeal and engagement levels of my posts. Photos can evoke emotions, illustrate points, and break up text, making the content more engaging and relatable.
5. Clarity Over Cleverness: In the pursuit of engagement, I learned the importance of being clear rather than clever. Complex wordplay or obscure references can alienate readers. The goal is to communicate ideas in a straightforward manner that resonates with the audience.
6. Write for the Reader: Every post reinforced the idea that I am writing for the reader, not for myself. This perspective shift was pivotal. It meant focusing on providing value, whether through insights, entertainment, or inspiration. Understanding the audience's needs and interests became a cornerstone of my writing process.
7. Personal Stories Must Serve the Reader: Sharing personal experiences became a powerful tool, but only when I ensured these narratives circled back to the reader. The personal is universal only when it echoes in the experiences or aspirations of others, creating a bridge of empathy and understanding.
8. Consistency is Key: Regular posting helped me build and maintain an audience. Consistency doesn't mean sacrificing quality for quantity but rather committing to a sustainable schedule that keeps readers engaged and looking forward to more.
9. Feedback Fuels Growth: Engaging with comments and feedback became a source of inspiration and improvement. Constructive criticism helped refine my voice, while positive feedback reinforced the impact of my work.
10. Lifelong Learning: Signing up for writing cohorts and courses was a testament to the journey of continuous learning. Each lesson, critique, and piece of advice contributed to my growth as a writer.
As I reflect on these lessons, I realize that the journey from the first post to the 200th was not just about becoming a better writer; it was about overcoming fears, connecting with others, and discovering my voice.
Each post has been a step toward breaking down the terror barrier, not just in writing, but in life itself. Here's to the next milestone, with gratitude for the journey so far and anticipation for the lessons yet to come.