I’ve heard it said a few times that – especially when you’re starting out – you have to be comfortable writing to an empty room. I think that’s true, but it’s also sometimes pretty discouraging.

I love to write, and I love to know that other people have found something I have posted or said helpful, encouraging or useful in some way. But there are times when it’s discouraging.

For whatever reason, sometimes a post or story gets absolutely no attention at all. No clicks. No claps. No comments. Nothing. And that can be disheartening. 

Or, I’ll post something on my blog thinking it’s sure to attract some search engine traffic and help the blog grow, only to be disappointed when the hits don’t roll in like I had hoped. Sometimes a post gets absolutely no traffic at all. And it’s a little frustrating sometimes.

I’ve blogged a bit in the past, but I haven’t stuck with it. And I’m certainly not someone who would (or should) be considered any sort of expert. I’m not. Far from it. There is so much I don’t know, and there’s so much that others can do better than I can. Some people seem to be able to talk about mold on a slice of bread and get thousands of views while I feel like I’m writing about important topics but not getting much traction.

But maybe that’s normal.

I haven’t been writing that long – either on Medium or on my blog. So I can’t reasonably expect to be pulling in tons and tons of traffic yet. Right?

Writing to the void is normal. I guess.

And that’s something I have to remember. I’m the kind of person who wants instant success. If I have an idea, I want it to just be done and already working. After all, if it’s a good idea, it should “just work” right? 

Eh. Not so much. Expecting instant gratification is a good way to be disappointed.

One thing I’ve heard from lots of writers is that – especially at the beginning – it’s normal to feel like you’re talking to yourself. And some days I do. While I’ve had some good feedback and reactions from my fellow Medium members, sometimes I do feel like my case is unusual or that there’s something wrong with my content.

But maybe I just need to take a step back and remember that progress can be slow – especially at first.

Remembering why I write

Is it disappointing when someone doesn’t read what I’ve written? Sure. But on the other hand, what if I didn’t write it entirely for them? What if my writing is also for me?

To me, writing is an art. It’s no less a creative pursuit than painting or sculpting. The medium is different. On one hand you have paint. On the other, your tools are words. But the concepts are similar. Out of nothingness, the artist forms something.

When I feel discouraged that no one has read an article I’ve written, it helps to remember: maybe it wasn’t entirely for them. Sure, I’d like people to read what I’ve said and find it helpful, but even if they don’t, maybe the journey of writing is just as important.

Persistence in writing

But one thing I do know is that rarely has any goal been reached instantly. One of my goals is to build a following for Side Hustle Road and to build a nice side income. But I know that will take time and effort. And I’m not giving up just because there are discouraging moments.

As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day. I know that I need to keep working hard to produce content that provides value, and over time the readership will come. It may take weeks, months or even years. But persistence in this – and in anything good – is important if goals are to be achieved.