I am a former teacher. The Robb Elementary School tragedy will change nothing if we do not finally change ourselves. — Otherwise, to the above point, today’s news cycle will prove yet again that early outrage will be followed only by helplessness, and inaction. My heart breaks for every parent of an innocent school-aged child today. The 18-year-old deceased shooter was said to have been bullied, and recently posted photos of…

Before the challenge begins, though, you must listen to Yoda. — Intro The awkward nature of the above title, which distinguishes between “serious” and “money-motivated,” is by design. I could have, of course, left out the word “serious” and the title would have flowed more smoothly, but then I’d be excluding a group of writers here who ply their trade for…

English translation: I’ve achieved more at 58 than ever before because over the years I’ve planted seeds. So start digging. — Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” was published when the author was 52. What’s your excuse? The first order of business is you may well need to struggle before attaining any degree of professional success. …

With over 31,000 NewsBreak followers and tens of thousands more on social media (big LinkedIn, tiny Twitter, though), I’ve been called an “influencer” too. Perspective, though, is everything. — I’m the honest guy. If a self-proclaimed “influencer” elects to compare my tiny Twitter to a given sex organ for fear of losing their shine, I won’t fight them. Hell, they may be right. I guess, if anything, authenticity is my brand. I’ll proceed, then, with this statement: Proclaiming oneself…

Answer: For those with no agenda, it should not be an issue at all. The reality, though, is more complex. — You can be an honest writer on any platform that will accept your honesty. Easy-peasy. Largely unmoderated platforms such as this one are the easiest in that regard. Why then, the reluctance? Why do so many writers hold back on their honest thoughts? Perhaps because those who care believe their…

It seems a lifetime ago when high-performing writers here actually had something to say… — Tessa Schlesinger is a fantastic writer on this platform who not only speaks volumes through her writing but always offers food for thought on a variety of topics. We may not always agree, but Tessa puts muscle, passion, and intelligence behind her every post. She’s old-school that way. Sherry McGuinn…

Consider this a reality check. — Intro I’ve noticed when a given Medium writer is branded a “genius” or “expert” by followers — or even “the greatest online writer of all-time!” as one excitedly exclaimed — aspiring writers here, without discretion, are quick to hop on the bandwagon. As word spreads, those aspiring writers now stuck on…

If less than 10% of writers on the Medium platform earn $100 or more monthly, don’t fool yourself. You can do far better with the same effort. — It’s far too easy to settle. We’ve all done it. As Mr. Spock would say, “It’s very human.” Don’t be human, then. Be a damn machine and start earning what you’re worth. I completely understand, as I’ve been there myself, the achievement of being among the top earners on your…

Just another day at the Medium office… — The above quote by the late writer Nellie McClung has become something of a personal mantra. I highly recommend the advice. Every writer walks a distinct path, so for those of you who already believe this piece cannot possibly apply to your circumstance, I’ll tell you straight away I failed…