Finding Value in My Stories: A Journey of Self-Discovery
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Chapter 1: The Search for Worth
In the realm of writing, I've often felt that my stories are devoid of value. Much like precious metals and cryptocurrencies, the essence of my words appears to lack inherent worth.
Photo by Zla?áky.cz on Unsplash
This wasn’t an epiphany—there were no divine moments or euphoric experiences. Instead, it resembled the moment when one discovers a long-lost key to a lock. The ‘lock’ represented an article I encountered in the FT Weekend that examined the future of gold and bitcoin. Although I possess neither, I understand little about cryptocurrencies, but I strive to maximize the value of my investments, including the purchase of the FT.
As I delved into the article, confusion set in by the midway point; the complexities of cryptocurrency often baffle me. Yet, one striking statement resonated deeply: it claimed that both gold and bitcoin possess “little or no fundamental value and generate no income stream.” The piece emphasized that their worth is derived from a collective belief in their value among a significant number of individuals. This notion struck a chord, prompting me to keep it in mind for future reflection.
Robert Ralph recently shared his own narrative about evolving his approach on Medium, discussing the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone while also considering the audience for his work. He illustrated this with a personal anecdote that I found to be the ‘key’ to understanding my situation.
Section 1.1: Reassessing My Medium Strategy
My writing, as I’ve come to realize, holds no true value unless a considerable audience acknowledges its worth. This isn’t merely about monetization or accumulating followers; it fundamentally revolves around audience engagement.
Whether it manifests through applause, feedback, or financial support (which I would gladly welcome), I won’t experience success until I connect with an audience. I need to devise methods to enhance the value of my narratives, whether through the style of my writing, the topics I choose, or a combination of both.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Challenge Ahead
It’s no small task. I cannot lament my struggles when I witness a story of mine receiving no views; that’s just part of the writing journey. The FT article suggests that bitcoin could be a fleeting trend, while the gold market experiences its own fluctuations. However, gold has maintained its value in the eyes of people for over 6,000 years—a thought worth pondering.
Here’s a Coffee Times story from Alex P. that resonated with me recently:
Worthless Junkies - My Story About A Radical Change of Perspective
In this video, the creator discusses personal transformations and how perspectives can shift dramatically, helping individuals to find their true value.
Section 1.2: The Importance of Audience Perception
As I navigate this landscape, it’s crucial to remember that my stories only gain significance once they are recognized by others. The engagement I receive—whether in the form of likes, comments, or financial gain—will ultimately determine the worth of my writing.
Chapter 2: Understanding Story Points
Story points and why they are pointless
This video delves into the concept of story points in project management, examining their effectiveness and questioning their overall necessity in the creative process.
Reflecting on these insights, I’m reminded that my journey as a writer is not solely about the stories I create, but also about how they resonate with others. It’s a continuous process of learning and adapting.