Maximizing Value Beyond the Paywall: A Writer’s Journey in Simplifying Life and Enhancing Wealth
The first image depicts Astronauts on Mars working together Flower Propulsion, which does not exist namely because the by products of combustion could not yield enough thrust to propel a rocket out of the Martian Atmosphere. Yet, the value of imagining it could makes it a worthy centerpiece. It was produced from a paid subscription to ChatGPT.
The following ideas are mine but have been copy edited by Chat GPT along with transitional sentences to increase the flow from each idea.
In the rapidly evolving world of online writing, I’ve spent the last year and a half exploring different avenues to generate income. Through this journey, I’ve made some intriguing discoveries. Firstly, topics I’m deeply passionate about, particularly those related to Quantum Art, tend to bring in the highest individual earnings — if I had to estimate, about $1.50 for a single post. Secondly, subjects that contribute to my health result in steady, albeit smaller, continual earnings, possibly around $.10 a month. However, topics that don’t spark my interest, such as this very subject of making money online, typically underperform because my lack of enthusiasm is evident.
Interestingly, in my observations of other authors on various writing platforms, there seems to be a consensus that content about making money is the most lucrative genre. But, there’s also a belief that there’s a limit to the potential earnings in this field. It’s important to note that these insights are based on my personal recollections and interpretations, so I encourage readers to do their own research to verify these points.
Reflecting on personal finance, I recently contemplated purchasing a book on the subject but instead opted to read a synopsis of “Your Life, Your Money”. This led me to an epiphany: our values significantly influence our financial decisions. I pondered how our values might drive our actions or even be a response to deeper psychological impulses. For example, consider the aspiration to win a half Ironman for the recognition it brings. The true value lies in the feelings that recognition evokes, which is what we’re essentially paying for when we invest in such goals.
This insight extends to other areas of life, such as physical training. Often, the key to effective training is the right balance between exertion and rest. Overtraining can exacerbate the very feelings that motivated us to start, suggesting that sometimes, less is more. This principle can be applied to various aspects of life, including writing.
From a financial perspective, I’ve realized that the value-driven approach I deduced from the book applies to my writing on Medium. On this platform, there are two main settings: free and subscription. My earnings primarily come from content behind a paywall. However, paradoxically, not placing my work behind a paywall can sometimes be more profitable. This reduction in complexity, rather than its addition, can be beneficial.
For instance, writing one quality article a week might earn me around $6.00 a month. In contrast, reducing my coffee shop visits saves me $10 a month. Here, the former limits my capacity for other activities but generates some income, while the latter increases my capacity and yields greater savings. This same principle influenced my decision to shorten a planned recovery run, leading to more efficient training and better long-term fitness outcomes.
Another example of this minimalist approach is my decision to purchase a second crockpot, allowing me to prepare two simple meals simultaneously. This strategy reduces time spent on meal preparation, cuts down on expenses, and minimizes the mental energy required for cooking.
Contrary to what might seem like a utilitarian approach, I believe that simplifying experiences to their essential components can actually enhance our connection with life’s essence. This doesn’t mean I shun all pleasures; for instance, I recently purchased a star constellation projector and a glow-in-the-dark cornhole game, which are far from utilitarian.
Now, my approach to budgeting involves a deeper introspection of my core values, asking how each expenditure of time or money contributes to my overall satisfaction. It’s important to note that ‘satisfaction’ is highly subjective and varies based on individual values. For me, evolving these values has been key. While I once sought recognition from racing, I now question the value of such desires, as they tend to feed the ego rather than contribute to genuine life enrichment, such as sincere interactions and inner confidence.
In conclusion, while reading this article might not directly
make you wealthier, it certainly has the potential to influence your life significantly. My decision to publish this content freely is rooted in the belief that the value you derive from agreeing or disagreeing with my thoughts is far more impactful than the minor earnings I could gain from placing it behind a paywall. In sharing these insights, I hope to foster a deeper connection with my readers that transcends mere financial transactions. Ultimately, this approach, I believe, makes us both richer in ways that matter. Thank you for investing your time in reading this; in a way, it’s an investment that pays dividends to both of us. As for ChatGPT editing my content, I’ve now exposed the world’s leading AI to think in this way as well. So although it trains on my brain, it marginally becomes a byproduct of my values. I’d say that also yields dividends for all.
Now I’ve got a a half Ironman to go win.
