Today’s prompt is: What are your biggest challenges in achieving your writing goals?
Introduction
One of the biggest challenges as a writer is staying motivated. With your 9 to 5, knowing that payday is coming soon keeps you going. When you’re a new writer it takes time to start bringing in enough coins to pay the bills. That’s why it’s important to just be patient and keep working on your craft.
It’s hard to stay motivated when you’re not seeing the growth you would like but I promise you if you keep at it things will change for the better. Writing is what you’ve wanted to do since you were a kid. Let’s go out and make young you proud.
Identifying Motivational Hurdles
I must admit that I still compare myself to other people but. I mostly look at people that started taking writing seriously at the same time that I did. When I see all of their followers and the course they launched and the interviews they’ve had, it makes me feel some type of way. But I think about the fact that when I began taking writing seriously I was just trying to make a habit of writing consistently. They were probably already doing that so they already had a plan for growth and monetizing their writing.
The person that comes to mind is Mr Derek Hughes. We both started writing on Medium in January of 2023 but he has 5,000 followers compared to my 900. I’ve posted more content than he has but he’s certainly gotten more reads and engagement than I have. On a YouTube video he was being interviewed by another newish writer by the name Kristina God. Derek mentioned that the secret to his success was how titles his articles.
Now, you know I bought his course. Your girl needs all the help she can get.
Strategies for Staying Motivated
For the month of March, I have been doing this writing challenge that I created. If I don’t see much growth at least I have the basis for a book and a course that I plan to launch at the beginning of 2025.
I have been posting everyday. I did skip a day because of a doctor’s appointment but I ended up posting 2 the next day. Yesterday I was so worn out and tired that I felt like skipping that day too. But I went ahead and finished my post and put it up and put it on my social media accounts.
You can’t let anything stop you from doing what you need to do, not even you.
Dealing with Frustration and Setbacks
Looking at my analytics is depressing 😕 but I just can’t help myself. The few likes that I get on my content motivates me to keep on going. Now, when I do this challenge again on Medium, I’ll get a few comments that will motivate me even more to continue to improve.
I remember when I couldn’t write either because I was too busy or more recently because the nerves in my hands made it very difficult to press the keys. It’s still uncomfortable now but I’ve learned how to push through it. I just think about what I’m trying to do with my life and how I’m not going to stop as long as I’m alive.
You have to figure out what will keep you going and focus on that.
Cultivating Persistence and Resilience
Out of my 30+ years of being an aspiring writer, this past year was my very first year that I wrote every single day. I posted somewhere online every single day. I had never had that type of consistency in writing and I am quite proud of that accomplishment.
That may not sound like a big deal for some but that’s monumental for me. I had wasted so many years starting and stopping because I was afraid of what might happen. I was also demotivated because of what wasn’t happening. And when MS stepped into the scenario, I thought that I would never even be able to try again. They said it would attack my brain as well as my body.
I couldn’t let my dream continue to be deferred. I made my hands feel again. I made my brain remember again. As soon as I make my legs walk again, I’ll be traveling all over the place but until then I’ll be on the internet somewhere. Making my dreams come true and trying my best to inspire others to get busy before it’s too late.
Finding Support and Accountability
You have to be your biggest cheerleader but it’s good to have a support system. Through writing on Medium, I have made connections to some of the most talented people. Most of them got a late start on their writing journey as well but they’re out there killing it. From courses, to newsletters, videos and books, I get excited when I see their names on different platforms.
Being a writer is already a lonely job. Being an introvert that’s the best part for me. But we can’t live our life in a bubble. Associating with other people that are on your same journey helps you stay motivated. They show you the possibilities to come as long as you focus and keep grinding.
Conclusion
Remember these key takeaways:
- Staying motivated as a writer is challenging, especially when growth is slow.
- Comparing yourself to others can be discouraging, but focus on your own progress.
- Strategies like daily writing challenges can help build consistency and lead to future projects.
- Dealing with frustration and setbacks is part of the journey, but small victories keep you going.
- Cultivate persistence by celebrating achievements, no matter how small.
- Find support and accountability from fellow writers to stay motivated and inspired.