Finding Joy in Writing for Just $0.50 Per Article
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Chapter 1: Embracing the Journey
Let’s set aside any skepticism; of course, I’d prefer to earn more than $0.50 for each article. However, I’ve come to realize that my motivation for writing on Medium stems from my passion, rather than solely from financial gain. In my previous two articles, I explored how fear can hinder our progress towards our goals. If you’re interested, you can find them here:
- Overcoming Fear: How can we move past our fears to become our ideal selves?
- Letting Go of Others' Judgments: Why do we let others dictate our success? This mindset can be tough to break.
In this piece, I will concentrate on the financial side of Medium and caution against becoming overly fixated on earnings.
Section 1.1: Misplaced Motivation
I understand the temptation to refresh your stats page every half hour, eagerly checking if your post has finally earned $1.00, only to feel let down when it hasn’t made a cent. This cycle is not conducive to sustaining motivation. My writing on this platform is driven by love for the craft; I never anticipated any financial rewards.
When I received my first payment of a mere cent—equivalent to less than a penny in the UK—I was thrilled. As I published more articles, I noticed a slight increase in earnings, though still minimal. Yet, reaching that first $1 from a single blog post felt like a major achievement. But why was that? It’s just a dollar, after all. What shifted my perspective from disappointment to motivation?
Section 1.2: Celebrating Every Milestone
Whether your earnings are $100 or just $0.01, it’s crucial to celebrate your progress. Truly embrace these small victories. Jump for joy and recognize your accomplishments, as every step matters. Acknowledging each achievement, regardless of its size, keeps you grounded and reminds you that this is a journey.
Instead of letting disappointment diminish your motivation, transform it into your driving force. If you must track your statistics, at least take the time to celebrate your progress. Constantly feeling disheartened because your expectations aren’t met can be exhausting.
“But what if my favorite article earns almost nothing?” That can be disheartening, no doubt. But remember, publishing a piece you’re proud of is still a success. Celebrate that achievement!
Keep in mind that if certain articles aren’t generating much income, this could signal that adjustments are necessary. Nevertheless, it’s important to celebrate every accomplishment, including the act of hitting the publish button. Adopting this mindset across all areas of your life can dramatically boost your motivation.
Initially, it may feel forced, but soon celebrating your successes will become a rewarding habit.
Summary
Focus on the progress you make and celebrate each step along the way. Cultivate a mindset that propels you forward instead of holding you back with fear. When tackling a mountain, don’t fixate on the distant summit. Instead, concentrate on where to place your next footstep. Keep this focus, and you’ll find yourself reaching greater heights.
Chapter 2: The Value of Time Over Money
In this insightful video titled "Want to Be Happier? Value Time Over Money," discover why prioritizing your time can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment. The discussion emphasizes how valuing experiences over financial gain can significantly impact your overall well-being.