Title: Overcoming Challenges: My Journey in Daily Publishing Goals
Written on
Chapter 1: Acknowledging Shortcomings
It appears that I won't meet my goal of publishing 30 articles in 30 days here on Medium. However, this setback is an excellent opportunity for growth. So, where did I stumble?
I did not concentrate solely on Medium. Although I aimed for the ambitious target of 30 articles, I unexpectedly acquired several freelance clients this month, which affected my writing time on this platform.
One client project required me to engage with NewsBreak, a site that demands considerable effort, even when creating content on various topics. The mental energy I had left was quickly depleted by this task. If you haven't yet explored NewsBreak, I recommend it.
While writing random news articles is not my favorite, the financial rewards from NewsBreak are significantly more appealing than what I earn here on Medium. Although I enjoy the Medium experience much more, I recognize that building a following takes time, which is why I initially set the goal for daily writing.
When attempting to break into the $100/month club on Medium, it's hard to ignore the financial benefits, despite my frustrations. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritize your time wisely, and if you join, do your best to avoid reading the comments on your posts.
Section 1.1: Balancing Family and Writing
I underestimated the time commitment required to write while managing family life. Our newest family member arrived in mid-February, and I completely forgot how demanding newborns can be. Juggling the needs of a lively three-year-old along with a newborn has turned our home into a bustling circus.
If you're a new parent, you understand the chaos. And if you’re not, maybe you should consider offering to babysit!
Subsection 1.1.1: Shifting Focus to New Projects
Rather than stressing about my lack of writing, I chose to use this time to brainstorm ideas for relaunching our parenting blog, Smartest Dad.
This endeavor has been enjoyable, and I look forward to increasing content production. At least I feel a sense of guilt about not being productive enough—oh, and everyone in the house is also dealing with colds!
Section 1.2: The Importance of Preparation
I set ambitious writing goals without laying out a clear plan. This oversight led me to flounder, trying various approaches without a coherent strategy. Medium has evolved significantly since I first joined, moving away from a publication model to a more relationship-based one.
I felt out of touch and spent an excessive amount of time reading articles and tips from others without applying them effectively.
Chapter 2: Moving Forward with Lessons Learned
Experiencing failure publicly is a crucial part of personal development. Private failures lack the accountability that public ones provide, making them less impactful.
As I wrap up March 2022, I look ahead to April with hopes of establishing a more consistent publishing rhythm. Exciting projects are in the pipeline, so consider subscribing to stay updated.
In the meantime, how did your March go? Did you achieve your goals? If you're not yet writing on Medium, I encourage you to dive in. Although I may not reach the $100 milestone this month, I am still gaining valuable writing experience.
So, why not invest $5 and give it a try?