The Issue: Focusing Too Much on Earnings

About a month ago, I published an article titled “Why I’m Content With $0.50 Per Article.” In it, I stressed the importance of directing our energy towards the right pursuits. However, this mindset didn’t last long.

Following the release of several articles, my earnings jumped to around $2.00–3.00 for many of them. This surge boosted my enthusiasm and commitment to writing. I was genuinely satisfied with my initial earnings, but as they increased, so did my desire for more. Unfortunately, three consecutive articles plummeted to just $0.01 each, leaving me feeling completely deflated.

This setback led me to pause my writing for a couple of weeks. While other factors contributed to this break, my dwindling motivation was a significant part of it. I fell into the very trap I cautioned against, fixating on the financial rewards of writing. It's crucial to be aware that this mindset can easily derail your passion.

How to Overcome This Challenge

Solution 1: Embrace the Power of Breaks While it may seem counterintuitive in today's grind-oriented culture, taking a break can be incredibly beneficial. If you’re feeling drained and need time away from writing, don’t hesitate to step back. Personally, I’ve taken numerous breaks, and I’ve found them to be rejuvenating. Though I aspire to write more consistently in the future, I recognize that respecting my need for downtime will ultimately foster a sustainable writing habit. Persisting through your lowest moments can diminish the quality of your work and lead to burnout. So, give yourself permission to rest!

Solution 2: Reframe Your Perspective on Earnings Completely ignoring your income isn’t viable or beneficial. Instead, consider viewing your earnings as a tool for growth. Your financial results may not directly reflect the quality of your writing, but they often do correlate. Analyze the articles that earned the most and identify what you did differently.

While there may not be a clear moment of revelation regarding your earnings, improvements typically arise from higher-quality content. A useful strategy is to ask friends or family to review your articles and provide feedback on what they appreciated or found lacking. This can help you discover your strengths and weaknesses in various topics.

Summary Redirect your focus from monetary gains to the genuine enjoyment and passion for your craft. This principle applies not only to writing but to all aspects of life. I would love to hear your thoughts on this post, as your feedback will help me improve in the future!