Those are the voices of arrogance, bragging, or preying on others desperation to “make it.” That is simply how they define “making it.” They are selling their version of success.

But some of us prefer fiction or humor or poetry to essays and opinion pieces. So we will never “make it” on their terms. At least, not on Medium.

None of us are the same (thankfully) and it is foolish to compare ourselves to others. We can only be ourselves. And if we do what we do for the right reasons and to the best of our ability, we have made it. Regardless of stats or money.

The Partner Program changes knock the wind out of a lot of sails. It is hard to be inspired after a 75% pay cut. But if we can get past the money or comparisons, and find the enjoyment again, we just might find inspiration again.

When I am uninspired to write, I don’t write. And I avoid the negativity black hole. I do something else that interests me. Eventually I get an idea, or something else sparks the interest again. And I’m back to it.