Reimagining Daily Writing

The Free Flow Challenge serves as a call to rediscover the joy of writing, free from the constraints of perfectionism and audience approval. Just spending 15 minutes writing—akin to "daily pages on steroids"—is all it takes.

As I delved into Rick's article, a wave of nostalgic excitement washed over me, reminiscent of my youth when I would eagerly grasp my Bic 4-color pen (the 'XBox' of the 60s) and dive into a blank page.

Armed with the Write or Die app, I was certain I could accomplish this in a matter of minutes—fifteen to be exact. Committed, I was determined to take action today.

A Few Weeks Later

However, I didn't fully complete the challenge. In fact, I fell short on two major fronts, with the primary one being my inability to post anything at all.

Post without revisions? Me? The writer who has accumulated countless unpublished drafts while poring over "how-to" articles on Medium?

Consequently, the draft has lingered on my laptop, a persistent reminder of a time when I dared to dream.

The Roots of Self-Sabotage

From an early age, I could write and publish freely, often collaborating with supportive adults to refine my work. That changed when a well-meaning writer advised me, "You must master ALL the writing rules if you want to be worthy of publication."

That message struck home.

"Your writing isn’t good enough."

So, I began to study. As my list of rules grew, every blank page became tainted with thoughts of "Not good enough" or "You’ve missed something," leading to a decrease in my writing output. I continued to write out of habit, and I still do.

Eventually, I realized that the writer's comment wasn't the real issue; it merely tapped into a deeper fear. This realization allowed me to incorporate writing significantly into my career. Yet, a faint signal of self-sabotage remained, only visible to those who undermine others to conceal their own insecurities—and, of course, my own internal critics.

But today is the day. I'm posting my work. The italicized text below was the result of my 15-minute Free Flow dive.

The one aspect of the challenge I have successfully completed is resisting the urge to edit this post—aside from including links to Rick Lewis and Fahri Karakas.

Facing the Leap

Write and hit publish. What could possibly go wrong?

I resist the temptation to compile a list of everything that could derail me. The words are flowing from my fingertips; if I let my thoughts intrude, I risk talking myself out of this or fixating on the minutiae.

When did the blank page transform into a source of fear? A distant memory clamors for attention, creeping into my consciousness and slowing my fingers. I wish I had finished the article before committing to this, but it’s too late now—I must proceed. Don’t I?

“No pressure,” says Tor, my wise mentor. I should have added [sic] after "mentors," but no editing means no going back.

Understanding the Fine Print

Had I thoroughly read Rick's article before making THE decision, I wouldn’t be typing like a... like a dervish, rushing toward publication like a lemming. Two similes or metaphors in one sentence? Whatever—definitely not ideal. I should have said "like a whirling dervish lemming."

Thought: If lemmings wore skirts, would they take over the world?

I refuse to ponder a story about a dervish-dancing lemming named Brian.

How do they maintain their balance? Or manage not to become nauseous?

I once read that balance is determined by hair in your nose, or was it in your ears? No time for Googling that. Perhaps someone will read this and correct me? If not, next time I meet someone with a lot of nose hair, I could say, "With all that hair, you must have great balance." And then judge their reaction.

That might make for an excellent conversation starter at a party. Unless, of course, it’s the hair in the ears? That could be awkward. But maybe, "Hey, you’ve got great balance; you must have hairy ears" could work.

I’m convinced it’s nose hair. I once bought my step-aunt nose hair clippers, and shortly thereafter, she moved into a residential home due to frequent falls. Sorry, Auntie.

Note to self: New post ideas include "Top 10 Conversation Starters at Parties" and "Thoughtful Gift Choices for Seniors."

Regardless, those hairs do influence balance.

Having never checked my ears for excessive hair, I feel confident my balance is adequate.

Regrettably, I could have pursued a career as a scaffolder or roofer. I might have managed to overlook my fear of heights.

However, lacking legs might pose a challenge. While I could easily omit that detail on an application, it would be hard to dodge in an interview. My fallback line about being "a great team player and a fast typist" might not sway the decision.

Their loss.

I wish I had contemplated what to write BEFORE starting the timer; my mind could have been filled with meaningful content rather than a jumble of thoughts.

I’ve always prided myself on typing as swiftly as I think, but now I wish I could think as quickly as I type.

On the bright side, this post now includes a useful tip for shy party attendees. I could categorize this as self-development.

Tor, (did I mention he’s a Viking who excels at English insults?) bellows, "You can't post this! This is your debut. Your calling card. It needs to be perfect."

As if I’m unaware of that? My laptop holds at least a hundred drafts of "first posts" in various stages of "to be published when perfect." Well, I’m done heeding Tor’s warnings.

Typing faster now, I’m banishing my fears.

"What about metrics, applause, and catchy headlines? No one will read this because I didn’t include nose hair in the title."

And for goodness’ sake... the CRUCIAL visual aid? If I venture into Unsplash or PIXEL, I could lose three hours in an instant. I should blink more, or perhaps buy some eye drops?

Note to self: Write an article on dry eye syndrome.

Do I genuinely want to showcase my least impressive writing as my first post? Absolutely not.

Do I care about applause? Oh yes. I would be content with just one clap. What would half a clap even look like?

Do I care about metrics or SEO? Not at the moment, but I might once I figure out what they entail.

The fifteen-minute timer has sounded, yet I continue typing. I can't stop now, as that would mean posting. Just a few more words can't hurt...

What about consistency and continuity? Once I conquer the "feel the fear and do it anyway" first post, I need to replicate that process repeatedly.

I MUST focus on something else—something uplifting and motivating.

At least I’ve incorporated some headings! Headings provide a false sense of security. Once on the page, they trick you into believing the article will compose itself.

Until the post is finished, that is. Then they demand to be reorganized and rewritten in a snappier font.

I should wrap this up, but suddenly an image for this article arises:

Picture the Essential Visual Image at the top of the page—Is this the world's first aerial photo?

A tall, fit woman strains to push a boulder up a mountain with one arm while simultaneously sabotaging her efforts by picking up pebbles with the other.

The boulder and pebbles—a perfect metaphor.

Tall? Fit? Accurate within a 0.3M / 19 kg margin.

Or perhaps an image of Brian, the dervish lemming with exceptional nose hair and relationship challenges, just before embarking on his long quest to...

Oh no! I’m slowing down. Where’s procrastination when you need it?

I must conclude with an inspirational quote! Something that ignites passion and motivation.

The last lemming in the group doesn’t let the lack of followers deter him.

Advice for Reluctant First-Time Posters

1. If you're hesitant about writing your first post, consider undertaking the Free Flow Challenge.
   1. Adhering to the guidelines and posting immediately will spare you weeks of anxiety.
   2. Avoid fixating on nose hair during the challenge; there likely isn't a relevant tag.

3. I highly recommend reading both articles. Each author provides a distinct voice and unique experience.
4. Rick also offers a fantastic tip for managing the fear of writing and posting. I wish I had read it before composing my piece! No spoilers—go read it.

Bonus Productivity Tip

To enhance your typing speed and develop dexterity in your fingers, press the clap button five times with each digit.

The Buy Me a Coffee Button—it's nonexistent

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