Unexpected Discoveries

Navigating Medium initially felt like a daunting challenge. My early attempts in January were less than fruitful, but I'm someone who recognizes when I need to reevaluate my approach. This realization sparked a series of explorations into all aspects of Medium. The journey started off bumpy until I began adjusting my formatting and varying my post lengths. I believe that writing consistently every day helped as well, as it likely pleased some algorithm and made my work more discoverable. I owe gratitude to friends, too; one close friend even purchased a membership just to read my stories (Thanks, Jill!).

While these developments were encouraging, they were not entirely surprising. The real revelation was that I found myself surprisingly enjoying the experience. Don't get me wrong—if we reverted to traditional pens and paper tomorrow, I would break this clunky digital device in two without a second thought, but I've found a way to make it work with a bit of support.

New Role, Familiar Tools

What has truly saved me during this digital transition is that I can still apply the writing techniques and tips I've gathered over the years. Most of my self-care practices remain effective, with only a minor adjustment here and there. For someone like me, who is attuned to the physicality of writing, adapting to new postures and environments presents a challenge. However, I am optimistic that I can navigate this shift with a few more tricks up my sleeve as I move beyond this series into regular writing.

Ultimately, the core of this experience is that it still constitutes a job. I wake each day with a desire to write, to put my thoughts into words. That feeling is paramount to me, and I am incredibly thankful that I have not lost it.

The Value of Adaptability

One recurring critique from my editors has been my reluctance to modify my established habits. I have never been fond of adjusting to new punctuation styles, submitting pieces via email, or even tackling the complexities of SEO for ad copy. However, my passion for new vocabulary and life lessons has been crucial during this transition. My ability to remain flexible throughout this series allowed me to make real-time adjustments and discover what resonated with my audience. Altering my tone, length, and structure led to a noticeable increase in readership—a pleasant surprise, especially since I often find writing about writing rather tedious.

The Final Takeaway

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Medium is that it serves as a tribute to the written word. Since joining, I've invested time in reading the works of others, drawing inspiration, and sharing in moments of humor. I cherish being in the company of such raw talent, eagerly clicking on titles to uncover the diverse journeys they offer. The fact that many of my readers are also writers means the feedback I receive comes from a place of shared understanding.

While I still have areas to refine—both in my writing and in the processes that support it—I am confident that these improvements are achievable and will foster growth both personally and professionally. Change is constant, but this month has reaffirmed my belief that Medium can be a rewarding and financially viable platform for my writing.

I look forward to the exciting challenges ahead on Medium. I'm here to stay.

Thank you for reading until the end. This marks Day 18 of my Full Steam Ahead February series, dedicated to exploring Medium and enhancing our skills as writers and entrepreneurs.

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