Chapter 1: A Grateful Beginning

I began my writing journey on Medium again in May 2023, having only 12 followers and two articles to my name. Before diving deeper, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has taken the time to read my stories and support my ongoing writing journey.

One sunny morning, refreshed from my exercise and a calming bath, I treated myself to a delicious iced coffee with oat milk on my balcony. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and as I opened my laptop, I was greeted by the exciting news — I had reached a remarkable milestone of 100 followers on Medium, signifying the connections I've formed and the stories I've shared. This summer day bloomed with joy and fulfillment.

Chapter 2: Lessons Learned

In just 30 days, I absorbed invaluable insights. First and foremost, stepping outside of your comfort zone is essential for growth. Write continuously, for each of us carries countless stories from the moment we enter this world.

Be thankful and maintain a positive outlook regarding what you currently possess. Invest in your own development and recognize the efforts of others, as this mutual appreciation fosters growth.

How did I endear myself to 100 followers?

Reading and Writing with Passion

I dedicated two hours each day to read and engage with compelling stories within my interests, showing appreciation through comments and claps, reaching up to 50 times. Why not celebrate others' hard work? Their efforts deserve acknowledgment.

I committed to writing a minimum of 100 words daily and producing 1-2 articles each week, regardless of any obstacles. My topics varied widely, allowing me to explore all my thoughts freely. Setting small, achievable goals helped me maintain consistency and routine.

Why 100 words? It takes me roughly 45-50 minutes, which helps me steer clear of aimless scrolling on social media while simultaneously broadening my knowledge.

The drive to write 100 words daily was inspired by the quote:

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily.” — Zig Ziglar

Joining the publications ILLUMINATION and InfoSec Write-ups was a game-changer. I published stories there, garnering significant exposure for my writing.

This video discusses the intricacies of podcast analytics and how they can enhance your content strategy.

Chapter 3: Researching and Writing Effectively

The Cycle of Learning

My approach to researching topics is straightforward: Read, Watch, Write, and Repeat. I allocate about 30-45 minutes daily for research, absorbing articles from Medium and other platforms. I jot down engaging titles as I read.

Watching YouTube videos on similar subjects supplements my learning, where I also note keywords. After a short break, I begin crafting my outline, followed by a few lines for each subheading, repeating this daily until I complete my writing.

For my titles, I review my list of collected ideas and select one that resonates with my article. As for images, I either design them on Canva or search Unsplash for fitting visuals.

In this celebratory video, I reflect on my journey and express gratitude for reaching my 100th video on YouTube.

Chapter 4: Looking Ahead

Inspiring Through Consistency

Moving forward, my mantra will be: Read, Get Inspired, Write, Inspire, and Repeat. I am committed to writing consistently, delivering quality stories that spread positivity. I also aim to refine my grammar and editing skills — the secret sauce of impactful writing.

My next milestone is to reach 200 followers. Additionally, I plan to apply for the Medium Partner Program soon and will keep you updated on my progress. Your encouragement is invaluable!

Once again, thank you to everyone who has supported my writing journey. Your belief in me means the world.

A special shoutout to those who have been instrumental in my growth: Diana Meresc, Isabella, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, Yana Bostongirl, Johnny Hughes, and many others. Your contributions have been greatly appreciated.

If you enjoy my stories, consider supporting me on Medium! For just $5 a month, you'll gain unlimited access to my articles, and I earn a small commission when you sign up through my link. Your support means everything to me!