6 months online, and here's what actually worked

Ever wonder why some people make it look so easy to earn online while others get stuck chasing hacks?

You’re in the right place. Welcome to inspired idiots.

After six months of putting my writing out there online, here’s what I’d tell my old self—or anyone new to building income online.👇

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

Six months ago, I was a newbie trying to figure out how to earn income through my writing. I started writing articles on Medium, and have hit some small but important milestones:

• over $4,600 USD earned within five months

• Six articles boosted (for non-Medium people, think of this like being sponsored)

• One article got over 25,000 views

• Featured in Medium’s monthly newsletter, named one of the top writers that month

These aren’t massive achievements, and I’ve still got a long way to go, but they’re big wins when you’re just starting out.

These results didn’t come by chance. They happened because I focused on doing the work that actually moves the needle—rather than getting caught up in the latest guru growth hacks.

If you’re new to the world of online business, remember: doing the work that matters is more important than any quick fix.

LESSON ONE

Forget the hacks—just get better.

I used to waste energy looking for the “secret formula”—how long an article should be, what title format gets clicks.

But the truth is: none of that matters if the content itself doesn’t deliver.

How I did it:
I stopped looking for shortcuts and put that effort into getting better at the skill itself.

Instead of obsessing over hacks, I focused on writing better articles. This meant…

• forming a clear opinion,

• creating a solid argument,

• anticipating readers’ questions, and

• backing up everything with data or examples.

How you can do it:
If you’re working on content creation (or any online skill), shift your focus to improving that skill. Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and who you want to help.

Every piece of content, product, or service you create should help your audience in a way that builds real trust.

Your best results will come from getting better at what you do, not from trying to game the system.

LESSON TWO

Tough feedback hurts—but it’s a gift.

If you’re serious about growing online (whether that’s your income, your audience, your results)—know that receiving critical feedback isn’t fun, but it’s necessary.

I’ve received feedback on my work that made me cringe—but without it, I’d be stuck making the same mistakes. When you’re new to putting yourself out there, expect feedback that stings—it’s often exactly what you need.

How I did it:
When I get negative feedback from editors, partners, mentors—here’s exactly what I do. This is how I’ve used feedback as fuel.

1. I give myself time to let it sting. I feel whatever feelings come.

2. I come back to the feedback but detach from it. I imagine this feedback is for someone else, and it’s my job to understand it and note the next steps.

3. I revise the work based on the feedback.

How you can do it:
When you’re working toward a goal and you receive feedback that makes you feel defensive, try disassociating from it.

Pretend it’s advice for a friend, and see if you can recognize the value without your ego in the way.

Remember that tough feedback is WAY more helpful than no feedback at all.

LESSON THREE

Rejections are on you—not the gatekeeper.

It’s easy to blame the other person when you don’t get the result you want—whether it be an editor, client, or someone you’re collaborating with.

But the reality is: if you’re putting yourself out there and getting rejections or low engagement, it’s time to look at what you’re putting in.

How I did it:
When I submit an article to a publisher on Medium, rejections are very common. And when my work get rejected, it’s easy to think…

• This editor just hates me

• This publication is impossible to get into

• This just doesn’t work for me.

But I’ve learned to take responsibility for my outcomes. I immediately ask myself, “Am I following the submission guidelines? Is this my best work?”

I look for ways to improve rather than pointing fingers. My goal is more important than who’s right.

How you can do it:
If you’re putting your work in front of others—pitching to clients, posting content, collaborating with others—ask if you’re doing your best work.

Are you really following the guidelines and trying to exceed expectations?

Rejections aren’t roadblocks—they’re feedback on how to get better.

EMBRACE BEING A WORK-IN-PROGRESS

With less than 1,000 followers, I’m still figuring out the whole Medium game. That’s why I’m sharing my journey in real time—to stay accountable and to give people like you a realistic picture of what growth actually looks like.

If you’re just starting on any platform, here’s my best advice: document your journey.

Share the wins, the failures, and everything in between. Even if you’re not the most-followed writer, your experience would help people who relate to you.

TAKEAWAY

Forget the hacks. Focus on getting better, seeing feedback as a gift, and taking responsibility for your results.

That’s what will keep you growing, no matter the goal.

PS: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since stepping into the world of online business? Reply and let me know—I’d love to hear about your journey!

If you want to start holding yourself accountable to building your own real online business, join our free accountability group where we help you land your first client in 30 days!