Writing Articles in the Desert During Army Deployment

I started jotting down my thoughts with pen and paper. After completing my drafts, I transferred them to my computer and eventually published them on Medium. This process felt reminiscent of writing rough drafts for my college English classes, but it was important to me to take my time and establish solid writing habits from the outset.

As I grew more comfortable, I transitioned to writing directly on Medium. Not only did I begin blogging, but I also launched my own publication. Generating ideas was crucial for maintaining organization and consistency in my writing.

I recorded every potential article topic in my iPhone notes. After completing my workday, exercising, eating, and freshening up, I either played Super Smash Brothers with friends or wrote blog posts in my bunk. With my AirPods in, I would settle into my army camping chair and focus. I often proofread my work before scheduling it for publication.

The aim was to build a substantial backlog of posts that would engage my audience while keeping me organized. Achieving a flow state became a regular occurrence for me during this time.

The combination of fulfilling work, physical fitness, and a sense of belonging fueled my desire to share my experiences. Once my headphones were in, I was in the zone—whether using my Bose or AirPods, I would immerse myself completely. If I finished an article but still had ideas, I would continue writing until I had exhausted my thoughts for the day.

My intention was to connect with others, share insights from my journey, and offer valuable perspectives. I believe I achieved this, as evidenced by my growing follower count of 2.7k. Yet, I often ponder where I might be now if I had maintained that momentum.

Reflecting on Missed Opportunities

The same thoughts arise regarding my YouTube channel—what if I had chronicled my life through video? It's important to prioritize real-world careers over passions, but I also recognize that I’ve been making excuses.

While the past is unchangeable, I remember the momentum I had, the friendships I formed, and the progress I made. Today, I see familiar names still creating exceptional content, and I admire their dedication.

One of my challenges was diversifying my articles so widely that I struggled to commit to a specific niche. Initially, my goal was to contribute to the world in ways beyond video, which ultimately helped me grow as a creator and a recruiter. My communication has become more eloquent and authentic.

Recently, I've found it difficult to sit down and articulate my thoughts. However, now that I’ve established a stable remote recruiting career, I’m eager to get back into writing.

While I should be producing more content since I work from home, the daily interactions can drain my creative energy. Regardless, I'm committed to writing at least one article each week. The more pieces I can queue up, the better.

Avoiding Analysis Paralysis

Don’t let overthinking hinder your progress. Just write what you feel and hit publish or schedule it for later. The more you dwell on it, the less likely you are to take action. If you can type as quickly as you think, that's a great advantage; it allows you to capture your thoughts in real time.

Always remember to proofread to ensure clarity and quality.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this. One factor that stifled my writing was the rise of AI; I worried about oversaturation and whether anyone would read my articles. Ultimately, quality content prevails. The stories that resonate and encourage people to explore your other work are the ones worth sharing.

In this noisy world, it feels refreshing to return to a passion I once pursued with great consistency. I’m back in the game.