Finding Strength When No One Reads Your Writing: A Journey
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Chapter 1: The Unseen Struggle
I found myself alone at the library, perched anxiously on the edge of my seat. While other students, weary from sleepless nights, sank into their chairs, I was grappling with the collapse of my fledgling business. Eight months of hard work and over $8,000 had been invested in a crypto venture that had now crumbled as the market faltered.
With a heavy heart, I composed an apology to my cousins and friends—those I had brought on board—and informed them that we were shutting down operations. Overwhelmed with shame, I closed my laptop and returned home, unable to find solace in sleep.
This was my fifth consecutive failed project, and my college experience had been riddled with disappointment. I had hoped this venture would justify my decision to drop out, but it only deepened my regret. Faced with despair, the only outlet I knew was writing. Whenever I felt suffocated by negativity, putting pen to paper had always been my refuge.
I wrote until my fingers ached, driven by fear and desperation. I needed a strategy, and I needed it fast. Then, amid the chaos of my thoughts, I wrote something that changed everything: “Wait... I absolutely love this!”
In that instant of realization, a wave of relief washed over me, and I felt a renewed sense of safety. I paused, drifted off to sleep, but upon waking, doubt crept in: “This is the most foolish idea I’ve ever had! Writing as a means to generate wealth? I must be out of my mind.”
Fortunately, in my quest for clarity, I stumbled upon an article by Tim Denning that opened my eyes to the possibilities. Grateful for the insights, I finalized my decision to leave college, found a job to sustain myself, and immersed myself in this new writing journey. I devoured audiobooks during work and seized every moment to write.
Yet, I soon realized I was struggling immensely. In an entire year, I produced only around 50 articles, and to make matters worse, my online presence was severely restricted. Throughout that time, I gained a mere 143 followers and less than 1,000 views!
To label this experience as demoralizing would be an understatement. It felt futile; any rational person would have given up. But instead of surrendering, I committed to pushing through.
I invested over $1,000 in top-tier writing courses and increased my output significantly, producing 63 articles in the subsequent six months, averaging 2.6 articles weekly. While this isn’t a Hollywood tale of sudden fame and fortune, it did mark a turning point in my journey.
This narrative is about the resilience to rise when everything signals defeat.
Chapter 2: Steps to Resilience
In your darkest hour, listen to this - This video offers insights on maintaining hope during challenging times, encouraging perseverance and self-reflection.
How to Survive Your Darkest Times - This video provides practical strategies for navigating tough periods, emphasizing self-care and determination.
Step 1: Embrace Radical Honesty
Honesty is the cornerstone of growth. For too long, I was embarrassed by my inadequacies, which hindered my progress. A frank assessment of my skills and circumstances was the first step toward improvement.
Step 2: Rekindle Your Passion
Fear can stifle passion. I needed to reconnect with my initial motivation for writing. It didn’t take long for me to remember my love for the craft. What fuels your passion?
Step 3: Invest in Yourself
Always bet on your potential. Your adaptability and willingness to learn are invaluable assets. No matter how daunting the challenges, know that they are temporary, and you have the capacity to overcome them.
Step 4: Adhere to the Fundamentals
Understanding the rules is vital. For a long time, I resisted structure, thinking I could forge my own path. However, through my trials, I learned the importance of following established guidelines.
Step 5: Engage with Your Audience
Interaction on social media is crucial. I mistakenly believed that big names didn’t need to respond to comments. Unlike them, I was still building my presence and needed to connect with my audience.
Step 6: Prioritize Your Well-Being
Mastering your basic needs is essential. Establish a routine that includes waking early, maintaining a nutritious diet, and exercising. These habits are not optional; they are vital for your mental resilience.
Closing Thoughts
Crises can lead to breakthroughs. When we hit rock bottom, our perseverance is truly tested. It is often during these moments that we have the greatest opportunity for transformation.
So, whenever you feel overwhelmed in your writing journey, take a deep breath and remember that you have the time to navigate your path. For now, keep writing.