If you started learning a new skill, you know that the way you approach projects changes over time. As you develop the skill, you become better, quicker and more accurate.

A beginner differs from an expert in many ways including the mental approach. The definition of success evolves with growth.

When I began writing I considered a day being successful when I simply sat down to write. A simple thing like coming up with an idea was a big deal back then.

Should we expect more from a beginner?

Later, I picked up speed. I was able to finish one article a day. I felt I achieved something when I had a fresh story every single day.

That, unfortunately, led to burnout.

As soon as I embraced a story a day definition of a successful day, writing lost its sweet taste and became a burden.

It was the wrong definition of success.

I have a personal rule in writing that I’m not going to hit publish if I never want to read the piece myself. If I don’t want to read it, why someone else should?

The season of racing against the clock made me publish worse stories because the quality wasn’t the goal.

Viewership dropped down as well making me feel frustrated.

Better definition

Fortunately, I recovered. I realized that I truly enjoy writing.

I made the decision to write for three hours every day. Without exceptions.

The definition of success became 3 hours of writing in one day. No pressure to publish every day. Just a section of time filled with pure writing.

The difference was seen after the first two days. I wrote a lot more. I didn’t feel rushed. Publishing an article became something not as significant as before.

After hitting publish, my 3-hour goal is not always achieved. I cannot close my laptop and go to do something else. Because of the new definition of success, I finish a piece I still have an hour left.

After publishing, I come up with better ideas because there’s no pressure.

I’m excited to see a big number on the amount of time I spend writing every month. Because my definition changed, the amount of time writing tripled.

Stats?

I don’t know how, but they also increased. Makes me think that it’s all about the quality…

Just the fact that it’s more relaxed, that I can do a session in the morning, a session later and a couple more in the evening to finish my day. Writing now feels like a hobby rather than a burden of coming up with a story every day.

I used the example of writing. Although this principle works with all activities that can lead to success or failure.

How do you define your success?

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