Writing Journey Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

How It All Began

I joined Medium in June 2023 with no prior writing experience — a true beginner starting from scratch. At first, I spent my time reading other people’s stories, soaking in their styles and ideas. That initial month was rough: my read rate hovered at a dismal 24%. It felt like I was shouting into a void, but I kept going.

Early Stats

The next month showed signs of improvement. I gained a handful of followers and started actively writing my own stories. Pouring my thoughts onto the page helped, and the numbers slowly ticked upward. Then life got in the way. For a long stretch, I stopped writing altogether. Still, I never stopped reading — Medium became my go-to source for expanding my knowledge, learning from others’ experiences, and exploring fresh perspectives.

Reading Phase

In December 2024, everything shifted. During a trip to Korea, I found myself with time to reflect deeply on my life and goals. Amid the vibrant streets and quiet moments, I decided to reclaim my voice. I wanted to rebuild my personal brand and presence — and Medium felt like the perfect place to start. So, I picked up my pen (or rather, my keyboard) again.

December 2024 Stats. Poor number December 2024

A Fresh Start and Positive Changes

January 2025 marked my return to a consistent writing routine. This time, I approached it differently. Instead of rushing to churn out articles, I took my time — drafting, revising, and refining each piece. I leaned on a framework I’d picked up from one of my favorite authors, and the results spoke for themselves. Things started to turn around in a big way.

The Best Place To Write In 2025 (Growth Has Never Been So Easy)

I noticed new followers popping up — something I hadn’t paid much attention to before. Inspired by lessons from other platforms about engagement, I began diving into my followers’ articles.

I read their work, analyzed their approaches, learned from their insights, and left thoughtful comments. It wasn’t just about growing my own audience; it felt good to contribute to theirs. Great stories deserve a shoutout, and claps alone couldn’t capture how much I appreciated their words.

February’s stats reflected this shift, and March has been even stronger. I’m aiming to close out the month with my best personal record yet.

March Stats

Lessons From My Comeback

This journey back to Medium has taught me a few key things:

• Write with purpose. It’s not just about putting words down — it’s about saying something meaningful.

• Know your audience. Understanding who’s reading helps you connect more deeply.

• Support other writers. Engaging with their work builds connections, broadens your knowledge, and strengthens the community.

• Stay consistent. Keep showing up, keep refining, and never give up.

These aren’t just tips — they’re habits I’m committed to carrying forward.

Fun Facts: Metrics That Stand Out

Looking at my stats is like peering into a treasure chest of surprises.

My top-performing articles — the ones with the most views and reads — cover tech (my major), team management, performance boosting, and, unexpectedly, a lifestyle piece where I shared my take on the song “If I Ain’t Got You.”

It’s wild to see what resonates.

Top Articles. My top-performing articles

On the flip side, my least-viewed posts include my newest one (still finding its footing, I suppose) and an older piece from 2023 that seems to have slipped through Medium’s suggestion algorithm cracks. It’s amusing to watch how these things play out.

Least Viewed. My least-viewed posts

Why Writing Matters

Writing is a joy because it’s so simple — you can just sit down, type, and share whatever’s on your mind. But when your words reach the right people, the ones who need to hear them, it’s magic. That’s the heart of Medium’s purpose, and it’s what keeps me hooked. Checking the metrics now and then? That’s just the cherry on top — fun, fascinating, and a little addictive.

Hey, I’m Mikel. You can read Medium version of this article here.