The Medium Platform

I refer to Medium as a platform because it serves as a launchpad for advancing your writing career or enhancing skills applicable in other areas of life. Medium is a blogging site that allows casual writers like you and me to share our thoughts and opinions on various subjects. Initially, I assumed that Medium was primarily a venue for posting updates related to different blockchain projects and technologies.

I began my writing journey on Medium about a year ago, aiming to share insights and educate others on technology and other critical topics. My goal was to provide an alternative perspective to the prevalent influencer narratives surrounding new products. Those familiar with my earlier posts may recognize that my writing initially fell short of my current standards, as I navigated the learning curve to discover my authentic voice.

Another motivating factor for joining Medium was its partner program, which enables certain contributors to earn money from their articles. However, before you rush to sign up, be mindful that there are specific requirements to meet before gaining entry. It's also important to note that, contrary to common belief, Medium is unlikely to make you wealthy in the short term.

Defining Your Version of Success

The internet is replete with varying definitions of success. For instance, articles like "19 Definitions Of Success You Should Never Ignore" frequently appear as top search results when querying Google about success. If you're seeking a singular, all-encompassing definition, you'll likely need to create one that resonates with you personally.

Fortunately, there is a method to define what success means to you. The steps to uncover your individual definition of success can be found in the following video.

Identifying your personal success may appear straightforward, as it involves just three steps. However, this may seem overly simplistic and incomplete. In the following paragraphs, I'll share insights that have helped me clarify my own understanding of success. I encourage you to view my experience as one of many potential pathways to your own success.

The Importance of a Mentor

One day, feeling dissatisfied with my life, I decided to seek guidance from someone who exuded happiness and generosity in sharing their insights. An acquaintance reached out to discuss my aspirations, and we engaged in a meaningful conversation about what drives me, what brings me joy, and my future goals. Together, we devised a plan encompassing my objectives for 2025, covering relationships, spirituality, and material aspirations.

Working with this individual was challenging, as he consistently encouraged me to approach things differently. There's a saying in Czech that translates to, "a habit is like a shirt made of iron." Looking back, I understand his strictness; without change, I would have adhered to the definition of insanity: "doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein.

Getting Comfortable with Discomfort

Understanding the roots of personal discomfort is crucial to overcoming it. For instance, I used to experience significant anxiety when flying. To counter this, I educated myself about how airplanes operate and how pilots are trained to manage unexpected scenarios. Discomfort often serves as a protective mechanism, prompting our brains to steer us away from the unknown. By increasing our knowledge, we can diminish that discomfort.

In a previous job, I dreaded making phone calls to customers. However, my mentor reassured me, saying, "the person on the other end is just as anxious as you are." This insight helped me feel more at ease and prepared for my responsibilities. Many people advised me to "get over myself," but true change often requires external perspectives to help us see beyond our limited viewpoints. Cultivating friendships and finding a trustworthy mentor can be invaluable.

Engaging in Volunteer Work

In today's world, it's common to hear that nothing comes free, or that certain tasks are "beyond my paygrade." My perspective is this: if you never step outside your paygrade, you'll never rise above it. In other words, if your only motivation for work is financial gain, your earnings will likely remain modest. It took me years to realize that work should be about personal growth and a career path that fosters a positive mindset.

I began my journey of discovery through volunteering in the USA, where I learned English and developed a desire to maintain my skills. Upon returning home, I started teaching English to friends, initially without charge to build credibility. Now, four years later, I can confidently negotiate a good salary because I'm aware of my worth. I no longer see my dream job as an end goal; instead, I view it as a stepping stone in my quest for self-improvement.

When you find your passion—something you would pursue even for free—you'll cultivate intrinsic motivation to refine your skills and eventually earn a living doing what you love. Focus on what you enjoy rather than merely what pays well, and strive to excel at it for meaningful rewards.

Prioritizing Relationships Over Material Wealth

The bonds you form with those around you are far more significant than material possessions, as they open doors to opportunities and personal growth. While material goods can offer convenience, they are merely tools for achieving success. Numerous online examples showcase individuals who amassed wealth only to squander it due to mismanagement. It's far more fulfilling to start from scratch and find joy in the journey than to live in constant fear of losing your wealth.

Fostering quality relationships is essential for a happy and successful life. Identify individuals who support and uplift you, as they will help pave your path to success.

The Endless Journey of Success

It may seem overwhelming, but it's true: the path to success is infinite. The sooner you accept this, the sooner you can find happiness in the ongoing process of striving for achievement.

Success on Medium

Many writers attempt to gauge their success through statistics, but I contend that this is not the best approach. Statistics provide a snapshot of past performance but don't predict future success. On Medium, there are limited ways to promote your work, and even with promotion, you cannot compel readers to engage with your writing.

Ultimately, the only true measure of success is your satisfaction with your articles. For instance, I invested hours into this piece without expecting financial gain. My success is reflected in the human connections and interactions that my writing generates. That’s why I frequently pose questions at the end of my articles, inviting readers to share their thoughts.

What does the word "success" evoke for you? How do you evaluate your success as a writer on Medium?