Chapter 1: The Journey Begins

Embarking on the path of online writing is rarely straightforward.

Throughout my experience, I've made plenty of errors, but I believe we can all benefit from each other's journeys. That's my motivation for sharing these insights; if even one person can avoid my mistakes, then I feel my purpose is fulfilled.

Many before me have paved the way, and now I aim to assist those who are just starting out. Here are five critical lessons I wish I had known at the beginning of my online writing journey:

1. The Trap of Information Overload

   In the early days, I was eager to absorb every piece of advice and free resource offered by so-called 'online experts.' At the time, I thought that immersing myself completely was the right approach. However, I ended up with an overwhelming collection of unread PDFs and neglected Notion pages. I realized I was trying to juggle too many tasks, leading to stress and inconsistency. Journaling helped me recognize this and prompted me to simplify my focus, tackling one project at a time.

2. Understanding Your Motivation for Writing

   Pursuing fame and wealth can lead to disillusionment. Ryder Carroll notes in his book that getting lost in the allure of aspirational media can distract us from defining our own meaning. It's essential to ask yourself why you're writing. For me, it wasn't just about the money; I wanted to create something meaningful while also spending quality time with loved ones. I learned that a deeper sense of fulfillment would fuel my writing journey.

3. The Importance of Setting Goals

   Initially, I had no clear objectives or vision for my writing career. It’s crucial to have a destination in mind, much like explorers who set out for uncharted territories. Having a goal can provide direction, even if the path changes along the way. My experience taught me that flexibility in goals often leads to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.

4. Recognizing Your Limits

   Before diving into online writing, I explored UI/UX design. I overwhelmed myself with courses and information, trying to accelerate my progress. This led to self-doubt and burnout. It became apparent that I needed to prioritize my tasks and limit my focus. By narrowing my efforts to just three key areas, I began to regain motivation and productivity.

5. Patience is Key

   I gradually came to understand that achieving success in writing is a marathon, not a sprint. Ignore the misleading promises of quick success; they often lead to disappointment. According to Hofstadter's Law, things will take longer than you anticipate. Embrace the journey and cultivate patience as your ally.

If you have insights or lessons to share, I invite you to leave a comment—I would love to hear your thoughts.

You can explore my series of atomic forms listed below, and if you find value in them, consider subscribing to my new weekly newsletter, Atomic Letters, for deeper dives into these topics.

Thank you for taking the time to read, and I look forward to connecting with you in future posts.

Chapter 2: Essential Video Resources

In this chapter, I would like to share a couple of insightful videos that can further enhance your understanding of online writing.

The first video, "5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Creating an Online Course", provides valuable lessons for anyone looking to embark on a similar journey. It emphasizes the importance of preparation and insight into the course creation process.

The second video, "4 CRITICAL Things I Wish I Knew Before I Began Freelance Writing", offers essential tips for beginners in freelance writing. It covers common pitfalls and crucial knowledge that can save you time and effort as you start your freelance career.