Embracing Setbacks: My Writing Journey and Lessons Learned
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Chapter 1: The Writing Challenge
My ambition was to share a post on Medium every day for a month, but I've already missed two days. This realization is disheartening. I feel somewhat lazy, yet the aim of my Medium journey was to accept failures, so I’m choosing to embrace these lessons.
Where Did It Go Wrong?
Saturday:
My first day off was a real struggle. I delayed working on my second draft, then became overly focused, spending six hours refining my piece before finally publishing it at 3 AM. I had completed the first draft before heading to work that morning and felt pleased with my progress. However, things took a turn when I wasted time after work, mistakenly believing that editing would be straightforward. It was anything but, leading to stress and a sense of chaos as the clock ticked late.
Wednesday:
After a brief walk with my dog post-work, I found myself utterly drained and collapsed into bed. My body felt sore, my head throbbed, and I was hoarse. A short nap turned into a 12-hour sleep, and I woke to sunlight pouring into the room.
Moving Forward
I'm not here to offer excuses; I made mistakes. I enjoy thinking about, reading about, and writing about developing healthier habits, as I’m in the thick of that journey. Like many, I deeply desire to improve myself, but mere desire isn't sufficient—growth demands effort and consistent action.
Transitioning from not writing on Medium to aiming for daily posts is a considerable undertaking. To be honest, I’ve questioned whether this goal is too ambitious or if I'm setting myself up for failure. Despite the self-doubt, I’m committed to pushing through. Missing the mark twice and producing some mediocre articles doesn’t overshadow the fact that I’ve written significantly more in the last week than I would have if I hadn’t set this goal at all.
Looking at the numbers, I realize I’ve achieved a lot more than I initially thought.
Chapter 2: Lessons Learned
In the video titled "The reason you fail your exams even though you studied for it," the speaker discusses the common pitfalls students face despite their preparation. They emphasize the importance of mindset and strategic planning in achieving success.
Another insightful video, "Lawyer: 'I Failed the Bar Exams Twice'," shares a personal story of resilience and determination in the face of setbacks. The speaker's experience highlights how failures can be stepping stones toward eventual success.
What I Discovered
These setbacks have imparted crucial lessons that will enhance my writing approach on Medium. Here are a few insights:
- Establishing a daily writing routine is challenging—approach it with seriousness.
- Avoid overthinking; if a word feels right, use it—chances are, few will notice.
- When pressed for time, aim for brevity.
- Create a writing schedule, use a timer, and adhere to it.
- Have backup articles ready for those unexpected days off or when illness strikes.
- Utilize anonymity to your benefit; without a significant following, the pressure diminishes, allowing room for experimentation and mistakes.
- Remember, consistency is key—slow and steady truly wins the race.
Throughout this journey, I anticipate stumbling and perhaps even falling. Yet, it is often in these moments that we find the most growth.
Thank you for reading! Do you have any tips for maintaining a writing schedule? I’d love to hear your thoughts!