How to become an Authority as a writer.

I came across an article I penned just at the start of my writing career, my first book was about to be published and I was just starting my platform. I was at the muddle through phase, which I'm sure we never really get out of, if we're honest. What is the muddle through phase? It's that time in your life where you really have no idea what you're doing, but somehow you move forward and get your legs.