Learning from Mistakes: 4 Key Lessons for Medium Success
Written on
Chapter 1: Embracing Mistakes
Learning from failures can be just as impactful as celebrating successes.
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
As Sophocles wisely stated, “All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.” I firmly believe in acknowledging one’s errors and learning from them. Moreover, sharing these experiences with others can be incredibly enlightening.
In this spirit, I want to recount some of the most significant missteps I encountered during my time as a writer on Medium.
Section 1.1: The Perils of Taking a Break
One of my major errors was stepping away from Medium for eight months when I felt lost. I thought a hiatus would be beneficial, but it proved detrimental. It made it challenging to regain my writing momentum and caused my engagement to plummet. Prior to my break, while my metrics weren’t exceptional, I was receiving curation and attracting a decent readership. Upon returning, I noticed a stark decline in my views and lost my curation status.
To maintain progress, my recommendation is to scale back instead of halting your writing entirely. Shorter pieces or simpler stories can provide a necessary break without completely stepping away.
Section 1.2: The Importance of Consistency
When I committed to writing consistently, the results were markedly better compared to periods of sporadic posting. I advise against relying solely on spontaneous inspiration for publishing. A methodical approach, complete with a structured plan, is crucial for sustained success.
The best strategy for consistency is to resist the impulse to publish immediately upon completing a piece. Instead, write prolifically when inspiration strikes and then save your drafts for scheduled releases.
Subsection 1.2.1: Avoiding Premature Projects
Losing focus was another costly mistake for me. I was still gaining traction on my main Medium account when I decided to launch a new one for fiction writing, thinking I could juggle both. This premature move set me back significantly.
My advice: Wait until you have fully developed your current project before embarking on a new venture. Focus and patience are essential for achieving your goals.
Section 1.3: Building Community Connections
Medium thrives on community, and much of your success is contingent upon your engagement within it. I mistakenly believed that producing high-quality writing alone would garner attention. However, community involvement is vital for visibility and recognition.
I overlooked the importance of being an active participant, which limited my exposure despite my well-crafted articles.
Key Takeaways
- Persevere through challenges. While taking time off may seem appealing, the consequences can hinder your progress.
- Establish a publication plan, whether it’s daily or weekly, and stick to it rather than posting randomly.
- Avoid distractions that may divert your focus from your current projects.
- Remember that Medium is a community-oriented platform; make an effort to celebrate the work of fellow creators.
Keep pushing forward, even if you stumble. Don’t let setbacks discourage you.
Thank you for reading! I welcome your thoughts in the comments below. If you found this helpful, please consider following me and checking out my other articles.
— Love, Yana
Chapter 2: Key Video Insights
In this video, learn how to sidestep the most common mistake beginners make on Medium. It provides insights into maintaining consistency and engagement.
This video explores the pitfalls of square format film photography, paralleling the importance of focus and community in any creative endeavor.