There’s this popular piece of advice you must’ve heard so many times: Dance like nobody’s watching. It’s meant to be liberating, to live freely, without shame, without the heavy gaze of the world pinning us down.
Everyone says dance like nobody’s watching, but honestly, I was over here typing like my Wi-Fi was broken and nobody could load the page anyway. Not because it’s poetic. But because in the early days, no one was reading. And honestly? That might have been the best thing that ever happened to any writer.
When I started writing, I wasn’t expecting an audience of millions. I wasn’t under any illusions about suddenly becoming the next internet sensation or trending on some obscure subreddit. Still, I think some small part of me hoped for something – a comment, a share, a curious scroll. Some sort of, you know.
Instead, what we got was… crickets.
For the first few months, my blog was like a well-kept secret, so well-kept that no one actually knew about it. I was writing blog posts straight from the heart, typing away at odd hours, sharing thoughts that felt raw and real, almost journal-like.
There were no filters. No performance. No pressure to sound smart or look put-together. And because I didn’t feel the need to impress anyone (since no one was reading anyway), I ended up writing some of the most honest things I’ve ever written.
Even today, I occasionally scroll back through those early posts, the ones buried deep in the archives, and I read them with a mix of pride and disbelief. Sometimes I laugh out loud and think, Wait, I actually wrote this? This was me? Because they’re so stripped down, so unedited, so me, that they catch me off guard.
It was in those months of silence that I learned a quiet, powerful truth: writing without an audience is where your real voice is born.
We live in a world that’s constantly watching. Or at least, it feels like it is. Whether it’s social media, work emails, or the pressure to package your every thought into something “aesthetic,” there’s always a sense that someone might be looking.
And when someone’s looking, we perform.
We polish our words, we second-guess our opinions, we edit the life out of our sentences. We start writing for imaginary readers who we assume are smarter, cooler, or more successful than us. And in doing so, we begin to write from a place of insecurity rather than authenticity.
But when there’s no one watching? You get to be real.
You write about things that matter to you, not what’s trending. You ramble. You explore. You go on weird tangents and leave thoughts unfinished. And somehow, that messiness is where the magic lives.
There’s no SEO strategy, no headline hacks, no performance anxiety. Just you, your thoughts, and the wild freedom of saying exactly what you mean.
You might also want to read: How is writing affecting your brain?
There’s something strangely beautiful about having low expectations. While the world is chasing metrics, analytics, and conversion rates, there’s a quiet kind of rebellion in just… writing.
Not writing for clicks or followers, but writing because you have something to say, even if it’s just to yourself. Low expectations allow you to take creative risks. To be vulnerable. To experiment. To fail in public and not care, because no one’s paying attention anyway. And that’s where you discover your edge, that unique part of your voice that doesn’t show up when you’re trying to please.
When you let go of the pressure to impress, you tap into the kind of writing that actually connects. Not always right away, but eventually. Because while flashy content grabs attention, it’s the real stuff that stays.
One of the most surprising things I’ve realised through writing is that sometimes, I’m not just writing to express myself – I’m writing to remember myself.
In those early blog posts, I can see the thoughts I was afraid to say out loud anywhere else, the quiet dreams I was afraid to jinx, the messy processing of life’s weird little moments.
Writing like no one’s reading turns your blog into some kinda time capsule – not of what happened, but of who you were when it did. And even if no one else reads it, future-you will. And they’ll thank you for being brave enough to be honest.
Everyone tells you to “write for your audience.” But here’s a radical thought: maybe your audience doesn’t exist yet. Maybe they’ll find you years from now, long after you’ve published that vulnerable post you almost didn’t share. Maybe they’re not looking for the perfect piece, maybe they’re looking for someone who feels real. Someone whose words make them exhale and think, “Okay, I’m not the only one.”
You don’t have to write for everyone. You just have to write for someone, and that someone might not even know they’re looking for you yet. So in the meantime, why not write for the one person who’s definitely here? You.
If you’re out there, quietly writing blog posts that no one seems to read, let me just say this:
You’re part of a strange, beautiful club – the writers who keep going even when the world isn’t clapping. The ones who know that the real reward isn’t in the views, but in the clarity that comes from putting your thoughts into words.
You’re building something in the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that algorithms can’t measure, not a brand, but a body of work. A place where you’ve shown up, again and again, as your honest self.
And one day, someone will stumble upon it and feel less alone because you were brave enough to say what they couldn’t.
P.S. If you’ve ever hit “publish” and then immediately thought, “Why do I even bother?”, this one’s for you. You bother because it matters, even if you can’t see how yet.
I know I’ve said a lot about writing like no one’s reading, and for a long time, that was the truth. But here’s the beautiful part of the journey: somewhere along the way, you showed up.
Readers found their way here. Slowly, quietly, and then steadily. And I want you to know, I don’t take that for granted. Not for a second.
The difference now is, when I sit down to write, I know someone might actually read it. But I still try to write like I did in the beginning – with the same honesty, heart, and weird rambling thoughts. Because that’s the version of writing that felt the most true. And that’s the version I want to keep alive, no matter how big this blog gets.
So thank you for reading, for returning, for quietly nodding along on the other side of the screen. It’s not lost on me. In fact, it means everything.
Cheers!
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Oh Ritish, I love this post! I recently wrote a post on how I was searching for motivation as I celebrated 6 years of blogging. This sentence sums up our blogging community so well:
“The ones who know that the real reward isn’t in the views, but in the clarity that comes from putting your thoughts into words.”
Wow, six years of blogging? That’s incredible, Michelle 👏I’ll have to check out your post too. Grateful to be part of this community alongside folks like you.
Great thoughts and honesty! I’ve all but given up on my blog. I feel most people are reading from their phones and will seldom read any more than a few lines or just scan through it. Also, there are ads that distract and interrupt. I decided to concentrate on finishing my book. But, I read all Aspiring blog books and articles. Thanks for such wonderful content!
Thanks so much, Dennis, I really appreciate your honesty and kind words. You've been such a big part of Aspiring Blog, and we truly miss your writing here. You're always welcome back anytime. The way people read online has changed so much - endless scrolling, short attention spans, and yes, the ads. You’re so right they can really pull away from the reading experience.
Honestly, we too had to rely on ads to keep the site running, but the good news is: we’re actively removing ads now. Within the next few months, they’ll be gone completely. We want to keep this space calm, welcoming, and free of interruptions, a place where readers can truly feel at home.
Also, all the best with your book. And just so you know, whenever it’s ready, we’d be more than happy to feature or promote it here. Take care, Dennis.
Thank you, Ritish, for your interesting thoughts!
Joanna
Thank you for reading and taking a moment to say that, Joanna! It means a lot.
You are more than welcome, Ritish! Congratulations on your great achievement!
Joanna
🙌
It's an interesting moral dilemma to continue writing when no one, or few people, are reading our words. Yet, if the act of writing gives one pleasure, that should be enough. Yet, how many people keep a diary or journal just for themselves, without having any intention of anyone reading it?
I get what you mean, Pete. Writing with no readers feels both noble and slightly existential, right? But I think there’s something sacred in creating for no applause, like journaling, or even whispering thoughts into the universe with no expectation. The intention becomes the reward.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment.
I have journaled since I was 16 years old, and I'm old now!🤣😂 So I guess I'm accustomed to no audience!
Do what no one has done before to receive full attentions from others who have never seen such before
Oh Ritish, I love this a you have to know I would since this sounds just like me...😂 "You ramble. You explore. You go on weird tangents and leave thoughts unfinished. And somehow, that messiness is where the magic lives."
Oh and this is soooo true! " I write to remember me"!
Yes, I'mm in your wild wonderful club and I'm proud to be. I shutter or my family does at the things I write ... good thing they mostly don't read me. 🤪 I have to be me with the good bad and ugly. Life is meant to be shared and if in fact one person resonates and it's helpful then my life is worth something and if nothing else it's to encourage people to enjoy your/our club.
Great words of wisdom... i hear a song in the distant background shouting your name~! 😎🥰
Cindy 😂 Your comment had me smiling the whole way through. You are the living spirit of this wild, wonderful writing club, and I’m so glad we’re in it together. Honestly, your line about your family not reading your blog - same here, lol. And, if there is a theme song playing, I hope it’s got a good bassline 😎
Was the thing that had you smiling my spelling atrocities or shared vision. Thanks for your forgiveness in advance! 🤣 We are def in this together and I'm happy to be in your sphere any day of the week but mostly Fri-Yay where we can let loose and bust a gut. We hav it made. We can talk smack about them and they'll never know. My daughter asked today "how was your anniversary and I said "didn't you read my blog". We had a good laugh but seriously, get with the program. 🤣
Always a good baseline Ritish. "You've gotta friend by Carol King.. It's doesn't get better than that! ❤️🎹
Haha, Cindy, it was 100% the shared vision. Though your spelling atrocities just made it even better 😂 Honestly, your energy always brings a smile. I’ve totally had those “did you even read what I wrote?” moments with my people too 😂Also, You’ve Got a Friend, perfect baseline ❤️
Don't write what you know, write what you feel.
Love that line, Kelvin. Thanks for dropping that wisdom here.
I have just now found my way to your blog and absolutely love this post. You echo so many of the thoughts that have been running through my mind in the past few days as I set up a new blog. The last blog I wrote was anonymous - I needed a place to work through hard thoughts as I became more and more disenchanted with the subculture in which I was immersed at the time. I couldn’t link that one to my social media networks as I had with earlier blogs, and the lack of readership stymied me at first. But I kept at it because I needed a place to work through my thoughts, and eventually I discovered exactly what you have said here - that blog proved to be “where you discover your edge, that unique part of your voice that doesn’t show up when you’re trying to please.” My new blog is not anonymous, and I will be linking to social media, but I will never again return to the careful, stymied, “what if someone looks at me funny” voice of my earlier blogs. Once you discover the glory of being real, the risk of offense pales in comparison.
I’m really glad this post found you at the right time. I think once you experience the freedom of writing without fear - without “what will they think?” hanging over your shoulder, you never really go back. Not fully, at least. You just carry that honesty into every new post, no matter how many people are reading.
Wishing you all the best as you begin again. You’ve found your edge, now let it lead the way.
This is one of the most comforting reads in days. My takeaway, the intention is the reward. Thanks for sharing 😊
Yup, the intention is the reward. Appreciate you reading, Kriti.
Thank you! This is beautiful and so true!
Thank you, Andrea. Appreciate you reading.
Great post. And touch some chords with me. Back in 2011 I started blogging, then went through an awful tragedy which I blogged about - very raw, very painful - then I started this new blog mainly because I just wanted a fresh start. But yes I noticed that there are times when I write for an audience - or think about that certain person I know is a follow, that I respect and want to keep, and then I write ok but not great. When I just write for me then it flows.
I'm also writing my memoir and yesterday joined with others from a critique group that I'd met up with. I enjoyed the group but then spent the rest of the day feeling "nah/bah" Reading your post has made me realise why. I was trying to rethink how to write my story so I get followers, get readers, get my critique group to like it/like me.
Thank you. I might just post a response to your post on my blog at sometime. As you've noticed I do do that occasionally.
Thank you x
I’m so sorry for what you went through, and I admire that you kept writing through it. And I totally get that. I’ve caught myself doing the same, trying to write for a certain person or to be liked and yeah, it just never quite hits right. And if you ever feel like posting a response, I’d honestly love to read it. Big respect for working on your memoir 🙌
I love this post....sooooo much....especially this:
"But when there’s no one watching? You get to be real."
Let it flow. Such terrific wisdom here, Ritish. I'm nodding. And smiling! 💕🥰💕
Vicki, thank you ❤️ Your words made me smile. That “no one watching” space really is where the good stuff flows, isn’t it?
You said it so well — yes! Appreciate you! 🥰❤️🥰
Thank you so much for this honest and real post. Particularly as we age this must be our ongoing journey as a writer IT doesn't matter who is reading just as long as you are expressing your voice. Maybe you will be an unexpected lifeline to someone out there who desperately needs to read what your unique voice has expressed.
Be real as a person there are so many fake voices. Blessings!
Yeah, I so agree Faye, we may may never know who needed to read what we wrote, but that’s all the more reason to keep showing up with honesty. Especially now, when authenticity is rare and so needed. Grateful for your words 🙏
I love this post, Ritish! So much wisdom, so many good points. I've always written in journals which are private, but nowadays, like you, I'm honored that others have resonated with my books, whether poetry or Cora's Quest. :) I still agree that we should write 'for us' but the reward is finding out that our writing touches others. Thank you for this valuable post and for your wonderful books! ❤️
I’ve always admired how you write with such heart, Lauren ❤️ And absolutely, the real rewards is when something personal ends up resonating deeply with someone else. That’s the unexpected magic of writing for ourselves first.
❤️❤️
I found your post very insightful and your reflections truly interesting.
I also think we should write without caring about others, but for ourselves.
However, I realize that for those who have made writing a living, and aren't famous enough not to worry about their readers, adapting to their readers' expectations is necessary.
I really appreciate your thoughtful take, Luisa. And yeah, at some point, you have to balance between staying true to yourself and being mindful of your readers, especially when writing professionally. But I think the key is doing it without losing your voice in the process. That’s the sweet spot we’re all trying to find, I guess. 😊
Thank you so much for your kind reply, Ritish 💙
Have a wonderful day, Luisa 🙌🏼
Wishing you the same 🌹
Great thoughts here! I write because I find release in sharing my thoughts whether anyone reads thm or not. Cheaper than paying a therapist! :)
Haha yes, exactly. Writing really is the best form of therapy. There’s something freeing about just putting thoughts out there, even if no one reads them, they’ve already served their purpose 😀
I've been going through older posts recently and had a good chuckle with a few of them too. But it's nice having them to look back on.
Yeah, I love doing that too Pooja. Reminds me how far we've come. Thanks for sharing that.
Very introspective, simple - yet deep, inspiring, copacetic, and real-feeling. Thank you for sharing, Ritish
Thanks so much, Dawn. I really try to keep things grounded and honest, so hearing that it felt real and inspiring is honestly the best kind of feedback🙏.
Well said Ritish. We all blog for different reasons. We hope our posts resonate with someone, but in the end, if you are not writing for yourself, you might be doing yourself a disservice. Have a great day. Allan
Totally agree, Allan. If we’re not writing for ourselves first, it starts to lose its meaning - and then what's the point of it all. Hope you’re having a great day too 🙌
With me writing is just a hobby for me in retirement. Started blogging when it originally became possible on Yahoo 360 which no longer exists and then moved to others who went out of business in turn but WordPress seems to be surviving. The best part of writing is self learning through researching history and places that will form the basis of the story and expressing what we see and feel
Yeah...I remember that, Ian, though I haven't used Yahoo 360. It’s kind of beautiful how the platforms came and went, but your love for writing stayed steady through it all. I really feel what you said about self-learning.
Keep writing, your words carry more than you know.