I’ve Written Over 500 Articles — Here’s What I Wish I Knew When I Started

Here’s the breakdown you can steal and use today

So, I’ve written over 500 articles… wild, right? If you had told me this when I first started, I probably would’ve laughed it off.

Back then, the idea of getting past even 10 articles felt like climbing Everest. I’d stare at that blinking cursor, my mind screaming, “What if this isn’t good enough?”

Sound familiar?

Fast forward to today, and I can say there’s a lot I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way). I wish I could travel back in time and give my younger self some advice — the stuff that would’ve made the journey a lot smoother.

But since I can’t, I’m sharing it with you. If you’re just starting out on your writing path, or even if you’ve been at it for a while, these lessons are for you.

So, grab a coffee (or tea, I don’t judge), and let’s dive in!

Getting Started as a Baby Writer

When I first started writing, I was like a toddler taking their first steps — clumsy, nervous, and half the time, stumbling over my own words. It was a bit of a mess, honestly.

But here’s the kicker: that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.

You’re not meant to roll out of bed one day and be a pro writer. It’s a journey, and the early days are all about getting comfortable with the process.

It’s easy to feel lost when you start. You’ll be bombarded with advice:

• “Write about what you know”
• “Master SEO”
• “Find your niche”

It’s enough to make your head spin.

My advice? Forget all of that for a second. Don’t try to master everything at once. The magic happens when you just… write.

Write messy, write badly, write stuff that makes you cringe. Because each word you put down is a step toward finding your voice.

And let’s be real, your first pieces probably won’t be masterpieces. But who cares?

“The first draft of anything is shit.”

Those first articles are like your training wheels. They’re meant to be wobbly and awkward because they’re getting you to that place where writing starts to feel natural.

So, cut yourself some slack. Focus on showing up and getting words onto the page. The polish and style will come with time.

Intensity

Oh, the intensity.

When I was starting out, I had this wild idea that writing needed to be a full-on… all-consuming process.

Like, every single article had to be a piece of literary gold. I was convinced that if it wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t worth publishing.

Spoiler alert: that mindset almost burned me out.

Perfection is a myth. Chasing it will only exhaust you and keep you from getting any writing done.

I used to spend hours on a single paragraph, trying to get every word just right. And guess what? Most readers don’t notice those tiny details that kept me up at night.

Instead of sweating the small stuff, focus on making your work good enough. Strive for progress — not perfection.

Your “good enough” will naturally get better over time. It’s like working out — at first, you’re just trying to lift the barbell, but eventually, you’re lifting heavier weights.

So, save your energy for the long haul. Write. Learn. Grow.

The perfect article will never come, but you can always make the next one a bit better.

But let’s be clear: intensity is not a bad thing. It can drive you to create amazing work.

The key is managing it so it doesn’t burn you out.

Here’s how to handle it:

• Set boundaries.
• Prioritize what matters.
• Take regular breaks.
• Celebrate small wins.
• Seek feedback often. (Feel free to check out my feedback form for inspiration. I’d love to hear your thoughts as well!)

Intensity can fuel your creativity and productivity, but managing it well is crucial to avoid burnout. Balance is your best friend in writing.

Consistency

Here’s the hard truth: your writing won’t go anywhere without consistency.

It’s the secret sauce that turns scattered ideas into a loyal following.

Imagine a chef who only cooks when inspired — would you trust them to serve up your dinner? Probably not.

Consistency in writing is no different. It’s about showing up, day after day, and putting in the work even when you don’t feel like it.

Establish a routine that fits your life and stick to it. As William Faulkner said,

“I only write when I’m inspired. Fortunately, I’m inspired at 9 o’clock every morning.”

Think of it like training for a marathon. You wouldn’t run a 26.2-mile race without regular practice, right?

Similarly, your writing needs regular workouts to stay sharp and engaging. Plus, your readers will start to rely on your regular updates. If you promise to publish on Mondays, make sure you deliver.

Consistency builds trust and demonstrates commitment. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s the backbone of any successful writing career.

Creativity

Creativity is the secret ingredient that transforms good writing into unforgettable content.

It’s not just about waiting for inspiration to strike; it’s about cultivating habits and mindsets that spark fresh ideas and keep your writing vibrant.

Without creativity, writing can feel flat and mechanical. It might convey the right information but lacks the spark that makes it memorable.

For example:

Without Creativity:

• “Our product has several features that can help improve your business.”
• “Writing regularly is important for building skills.”
• “We offer various services to meet your needs.”

These sentences are functional but uninspired. They deliver the message but fail to engage or captivate the reader.

With Creativity:

• “Imagine a tool that transforms your business like magic — our product is designed to do just that.”
• “Think of writing as your daily workout: the more you practice, the stronger your skills become.”
• “From solving your biggest challenges to unlocking new opportunities, our services are crafted to make a difference.”

Creativity breathes life into your words, making them resonate with your audience. It’s about finding unique ways to express common ideas and keeping your content fresh and engaging.

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” — Albert Einstein

So, how can you infuse more creativity into your writing?

Start by experimenting with different styles, drawing inspiration from various sources, and allowing yourself the freedom to explore and play with ideas.

The more you nurture your creative side, the more dynamic and compelling your writing will become.

Building Audience

Building an audience involves a formulaic approach to ensure you’re not just attracting followers but fostering a community that genuinely values your work.

Here’s my formula for building a successful audience:

Understand + Value + Engage = Growth

1. Understand

• Research your audience’s needs and preferences.
• Create personas to tailor your content effectively.
• Analyze feedback and adjust your approach.

2. Value

• Consistently deliver content that solves problems.
• Offer insights, tips, and resources that are useful.
• Ensure every piece of content provides real benefits.

3. Engage

• Actively respond to comments and messages.
• Start conversations and participate in discussions.
• Show appreciation and acknowledge your audience.

= Growth

• Increased loyalty and trust.
• Higher engagement rates and interactions.
• A thriving community that supports your work.

When I first started, I struggled to build a meaningful audience.

It took time to understand what worked and what didn’t. But by following this formula, I transformed those early struggles into a solid foundation for growth. Remember,

“Your audience is the heartbeat of your success. Nurture it well, and it will thrive.”

Mindset

Understanding how your brain works can transform your approach to writing.

As a psychologist, I can tell you that mindset isn’t just about surface-level thinking — it involves deep-seated cognitive patterns and emotional responses that shape how you handle challenges.

How it works:

Your brain thrives on patterns. The more you reinforce certain thoughts and actions, the stronger those neural pathways become.

Positive thoughts create a constructive feedback loop that boosts your confidence and motivation.

Consistent actions build habits that make writing a natural part of your routine. Reflective feedback allows you to adjust and improve, ensuring you’re on the right track.

Here’s my brain practice for writing:

Positive Thoughts (PT) + Consistent Actions (CA) + Reflective Feedback (RF) = Success

• (PT): Believe in your abilities and visualize your success.
• (CA): Maintain a regular writing routine to build discipline.
• (RF): Review your work and learn from feedback to improve.

By applying this, you harness the power of your brain’s plasticity — the ability to adapt and grow based on your experiences.

This approach not only improves your writing skills but also strengthens your mental resilience.

“The quality of your writing is directly related to the quality of your mindset.”

Last but not least…

…writing over 500 articles has taught me one very important lesson: writing never ends.

No matter how many articles you write, there’s always more to learn, more to improve, and more to share.

Enjoy the messy beginnings, the frustrating middles, and the rewarding moments where you finally feel like you’ve nailed it.

Because, in the end, writing is less about the number of articles you produce and more about the impact you make and the joy you find in the process.

All the best with your writing.

?? I teach you how to write, share your story with the world, build an audience, and make money online. Click here to learn more.