It doesn't feel like that long ago I was trying to get to that magic number of followers— 100.

Back then I used the "follow for a follow" method. While I now know its not the best technique, I learned very soon that Medium was a place where people banned together to help each other achieve success.

After writing my heart out on Facebook for the past 7 years for free— I was thrilled to finally be monetized.

It felt like a dream come true — to make money off of my writing. Up until that point, most of my money was made with physical jobs, ones that often defied my values.

As an autistic that was burning the candle at both ends — writing felt like a more sustainable career choice to work towards for my mental and physical health.

Being able to write and earn money meant I could finally be paid for being me — not leaving my morals or my health behind. I wouldn't have to sell my soul for the all mighty dollar.

That meant I could be myself fully and completely, give back and hopefully help make the world a better place.

Back in November, I dedicated myself to writing at least 6 times a week. Most weeks I wrote 7. That was the turning point — where my followers increased the more time I invested.

Suddenly the hundreds grew with the blink of an eye. Now I'm sitting very close to 1K, 976 to be exact and in reflection of my journey thus far.

Hopefully these "lessons" I learned inspire some consideration. This is the advice I would give myself back when I had 100 followers — what works for me might not work for you.

If something inspires you — feel free to give it a try and see if it helps.

Without further ado — here are the 6 things I learned on my path to 1K.

Write Without Expectation

In order to maintain consistency, you have to enjoy what you are writing. When I write with the intention to make money it rarely happens. When I write for pleasure, those pieces seem to be more popular.

Don't Equate Happiness With Your Stats

The days I feel down because of my stats, I know I need to pull away. I need to remember my purpose for writing. You cannot control who reads your work and who doesn't. Surely we can try every tactic in the Medium book — but at the end of the day our mood cannot be dictated by something we don't have control over.

Don't Compare Stats With Others

It can be demoralizing to compare yourself to others and get down. The only thing you can do is better than yesterday, learn and keep trying.

You don't know how much experience a person has, how much time, health, personal obligations. It's not fair to compare yourself to others but instead, if you did your best.

Be Open To Learning

Learn from every comment, every article written and read, as well as every stat. See what your audience resonated with and didn't. Learn what works for you and what doesn't about building writing into your schedule. Take notes and improve daily.

Don't leave your morals behind

Your values have to come with you. Authenticity is one of my values therefore I won't breech that to get more followers. I write with the golden rule in mind — not being disingenuous with comments or going through the motions.

Support Your Fellow Writers

Medium is one of the few places there is a good deal of reciprocity. Sending genuine comments, claps and reads usually results in one's coming back your way.

The more a part of the community, the better your business will be and grow.

Wishing you fellow writer the best of luck on your Medium journey. Myself and so many writers are so glad you are here telling your story.

I don't think we hear it enough — perhaps feeling as if we are publishing into the wind — that your story matters and you are making a difference.

It takes courage to share your feelings and emotions on "paper". I'm glad you are here and chasing your dream alongside me.