The Battle Between Passion and Profit: Rediscovering Journaling
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Chapter 1: The Shift from Personal Reflection to Professional Writing
Reflecting on my journey, I can’t pinpoint the exact moment my journaling habit faded. It was a gradual decline rather than an abrupt halt. I began journaling during my college years, and it significantly improved my mental well-being. When I felt isolated or worried about sounding irrational, my journal became my confidant.
In those pages, I could express myself freely, without fear of judgment, tackling any subject without hesitation. Those tear-stained sheets were instrumental in navigating the complexities of growing up. They allowed me to process heartaches, solve problems, and simply exist. Nothing needed to be coherent; I could scribble my thoughts, draw, or doodle without repercussions. This practice shaped me into who I am today.
So, what led to my departure from this vital practice?
Moving Through Life
After graduating, I discovered Medium, which unexpectedly ignited my passion for writing. It quickly became my new journal, offering a platform to share my thoughts without restrictions. I enjoyed the immediacy of typing over handwriting and found it thrilling to write about my experiences, especially knowing I could earn from it.
Initially, I wrote for pure self-expression without considering an audience or SEO. It was liberating and fulfilling, making me feel creative and significant. Yet, I was unaware that my journaling had morphed into a public dialogue, open to scrutiny from strangers. However, I was too caught up in the thrill of writing to consider the potential backlash.
Duty Calls
When I landed my first full-time job, my commitment to Medium dwindled. After a year, I left the position for several reasons, but my writing was no longer a priority due to time constraints. My job demanded extra hours, and I was inundated with tedious readings that drained my energy.
Months passed, and my journaling practice faded alongside my presence on Medium. Upon leaving that job, I was determined to pursue writing wholeheartedly, undeterred by previous challenges.
Chapter 2: Dedicating Myself to Writing
I delved deeply into understanding the Medium platform, drawing inspiration from successful writers. I committed to writing full-time and continued even when it felt overwhelming. My head brimmed with ideas I yearned to share.
As I applied for more full-time positions, I recognized the need for a stronger portfolio. I diligently crafted over 250 articles, though I often felt inadequate when comparing my progress to others.
I immersed myself in SEO strategies, algorithms, and the nuances of content writing and marketing. Although I still have much to learn, my self-education has been invaluable.
Goodbye Journaling, Hello Income
Since late September, I have been writing primarily on Medium, achieving my highest earnings in December, just shy of my ultimate goal due to illness. I realized that my relentless pursuit of success led me to the brink of burnout.
At 25, I was determined to excel in my craft, and I worked tirelessly toward that goal. Yet, my beloved orange journal often remains untouched, tucked away in my work basket or on my bookshelf, which saddens me deeply.
So many blank pages await my exploration. One day, I hope to reintroduce journaling into my routine. Revisiting my past entries today filled me with joy, allowing me to reconnect with my former self—her aspirations and dreams.
Do you maintain a journaling practice? How do you manage it alongside a full-time writing career? ✏️
Best,
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In the video "Roll On: The Journaling Practice That CHANGED EVERYTHING For Me | Rich Roll Podcast," Rich Roll explores the transformative power of journaling, sharing personal insights and the profound impact it has had on his life.
In "How To Reprogram Your Subconscious Through Journaling: Holistic Psychologist Dr. Nicole Lepera," Dr. Nicole Lepera discusses techniques for utilizing journaling as a tool for subconscious change and personal growth.