# Celebrating 1,000 Followers on Medium: A Journey of Growth and Gratitude
Written on
Chapter 1: A Heartfelt Thank You
Dear Readers,
I truly appreciate the time you spend engaging with my work. Contrary to popular belief, I value both followers and subscribers, but not for their numbers. My focus lies on those who find significance in my writing and gain purpose from my shared experiences.
Reaching 1,000 followers through 316 medium- to long-form articles wasn’t part of my initial plan, but I’m grateful for this achievement. I’m content to grow my audience gradually and intend to continue this path.
Here’s what you can expect from me moving forward (feel free to unfollow if it doesn’t resonate with you):
- A slight increase in my posting frequency
- Topics including life philosophy (especially as a parent of four), personal lessons, exercise, psychophysiology, sleep and dreams, writing and journaling, and uplifting content.
- Occasional updates on my travels and insights from my work offshore.
I’m also contemplating launching a newsletter and starting a publication here on Medium. My brother, a competitive cross-fitter, and I hope to combine our knowledge in a meaningful way—feedback on this idea is highly welcomed!
I would love to hear your thoughts as a reader about what you’d like to see from me in the future, as well as what you’ve enjoyed in the past. Here’s a surprising fact:
In January, I published nothing beyond this message. Can you believe that after three years of writing online?
I want you to know that I am constantly considering concepts to write about. However, I have struggled to produce substantial material, knowing that once I deliver, I’ll need to maintain that level of output. It’s not a battle against myself; rather, I acknowledge my challenges and have intentionally reduced my output to ensure I can write indefinitely.
This process has bolstered my confidence as a writer, as I currently have about 70% of my posts in draft form, ready for when I feel prepared to share them.
Section 1.1: Understanding Consistency
We often hear about the importance of consistency in writing. However, I believe it’s not just about producing work regularly; it’s about how adaptable your mindset is to stay connected to your craft and recover from setbacks.
One thing rarely mentioned in discussions about consistency is the timeline. Take a moment to reflect on your own timeline; it could provide you with clarity and solutions.
For instance, in my life so far (at age 37), among those I grew up with who have exercised regularly for over 20 years, only three, excluding myself, continue to do so. This perspective suggests that such consistency is exceedingly rare.
Reflect on Your Timeline
Consider how well you calibrate your timeline. It can lead to greater clarity and secure your consistency.
When I first began publishing online, I found myself overwhelmed by the pressure to produce. In my initial year, I wrote as many as 16 articles a month, but I realized I was churning out content for the sake of quantity, not quality.
If that is what writing is about, then I’m not the writer for you. I prefer to be an ordinary writer focused on meaningful content.
My unique writing rhythm stems from my ongoing efforts to integrate my writing into my busy lifestyle, balancing work offshore, being a devoted father of four, and a supportive husband while prioritizing sleep, daily reading, and exercise. This juggling act sometimes makes it difficult to write or finish my thoughts without distraction.
Currently, I’m refining systems that allow me to share valuable insights without the pressure of just producing for the sake of it.
The Importance of Resilience
I started writing to avoid becoming a slave to my output and to prevent unnecessary stress in my life. Through various life experiences and as a lifelong learner, I've come to embrace struggles. While it may not be ideal, they provide me with a wealth of material to draw from, all while maintaining resilience.
My diverse interests, rich life experiences, and failures offer the ingredients that keep my writing engaging and enable me to continue creating indefinitely. This is the only form of consistency I can guarantee.
Section 1.2: The Value of Hard Work
Many aspire to achieve success and make meaningful contributions, yet only a select few are willing to put in the necessary effort.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you—my readers, fellow writers, and those who manage outstanding publications. Your patience and support motivate me to write. The environment on Medium feels refreshingly different compared to other social media platforms, where I enjoy exploring various perspectives and experiences.
I look forward to connecting with many of you here for years to come.
While I’m not one to celebrate milestones, perhaps I should take the time to acknowledge my achievements. If you resonate with this, consider allowing yourself to celebrate your own moments of pride.
When I began my journey on Medium, my goal was to build an audience from the ground up, testing whether I could succeed independently of my existing network (most of whom likely wouldn’t engage with my writing).
Today, I’m thankful to have reached 1,000 followers after publishing 316 articles over three years on Medium!
- Spread love.
- Optimize systems.
- Learn from failures.
- Seek motivation through energetic individuals and environments.
- Strive for growth beyond yesterday.
- Encourage yourself and others.
- Face challenges head-on.
Warm regards,
Sven
P.S. I firmly believe in cultivating a resilient mindset and aim to inspire through my writing. My topics often include sleep and dreams, writing tips, life lessons, mental health, circadian rhythms, and submarine power cables. If you’d like to receive my posts directly, subscribe here! If you’re interested in exploring Medium, consider supporting me and countless other writers for just $5 per month for unlimited access.