If you are a Medium writer, you probably know that option on the drop-down menu: stats.

Those pesky stats.

Don’t get me wrong; they are quite useful: they let you get a glimpse of how readers interact with the content you write. You get to spot your more popular topics, which can give you a very clear idea of the kind of writing you should focus on.

Or not.

Here’s the thing: is that really a good idea?

Given the recent changes to the Medium Partner Program, many of us are still figuring out how this new system will impact our earnings. So, I guess it makes sense that we are monitoring our stats a little bit more than usual.

However, I started to notice a certain feeling whenever I went to the stats page: anxiety.

“Oh, my! Has people read my post? What if nobody liked it? What if no one ever again is interested in reading my writing? What if my posts have zero views? What if? What if?”

What if?

So…

Yes, it is a good idea to check your stats from time to time. I know I will keep on doing it. But I think I need to back up from them a little bit. It’s generating feelings that most definitely are not productive.

The kind of writing I want to do comes from the stuff that worries me, the topics that I need to untangle to make sense of the way I perceive the world. It troubles me that I’ll start writing just to get approval from other people.

Because I do crave approval. Too much.

Therefore, the healthiest thing to do is to write about what I need to write about. If lots of people read it, nothing would make me happier. If they don’t, well, I’m not going to celebrate, but at least I know I have expressed my points of view. I have developed my voice a little bit more.

I know I’m writing this piece from a place of privilege. I have a day job that pays the bills and, although I’m not wealthy, I do have enough to put food on the table. But this gives me even more reasons to focus on what I want to write about as I see fit.

So, the stats page?

Yeah, I’m going to leave it alone…for a little bit.