avatarMichael Thacker

Summary

Michael Thacker, a blogger and aspiring writer, reflects on his experience with procrastination following a significant medical procedure, emphasizing the importance of overcoming hesitation and beginning the writing process.

Abstract

Michael Thacker shares his personal struggle with procrastination in writing after undergoing a major medical event. Despite having ample time for writing during his recovery, he found himself consumed with researching his condition and other topics instead of writing. He acknowledges the temptation to self-criticize for not writing sooner but chooses to focus on the present, encouraging others to start writing without delay. Thacker uses his experience to motivate fellow writers to overcome their own barriers, suggesting that the act of writing can be therapeutic and rewarding, regardless of when one begins.

Opinions

  • Michael believes in the transformative power of using time productively, especially in the face of life-changing events.
  • He recognizes the ease of falling into patterns of over-researching and self-doubt, which can hinder the writing process.
  • Michael emphasizes that it's never too late to start writing and that the act of writing itself is valuable, regardless of past inaction.
  • He suggests that sharing plans and supporting each other in a community can help individuals overcome procrastination and become more active writers.
  • Michael views the act of writing as a positive way to cope with significant life events and encourages others to see it similarly.

PROCRASTINATION

What Have I Been Waiting For?

Picking up the pen, or in this case, the keyboard and writing.

Photo by Hugo Barbosa on Unsplash

I have had months and months to write, yet those months have passed by, and only now have I hit the keys with these words.

When I discovered I was having a life-altering and most likely life-saving procedure, I told myself there was my chance.

I then found out that I would spend many weeks at home by myself, with nothing else to do but hover over the keys of my computer or the buttons on the remote. I told myself that I was going to choose the keys.

Then, it was time. It was time to recuperate and use this gift of time for something else, if nothing else, to not dwell on what just happened.

Well, it didn’t work that way.

I didn’t turn to the remote, Netflix, or Amazon Prime (affiliate link). Sure, I watched a lot of television, but no more than the days before the operation(s).

But what did I do then? Well, I amassed knowledge. But did I?

First, I started to research the heck out of my situation. Why did it happen? How could I make recuperating easier? What are the theories? Anything that I could do differently?

Well, that took a lot of time, and then, of course, I had to obsess about each detail a bit too.

Then, I turned to other topics. You throw one out; I probably researched it. Why? Who knows.

But what did I not do? Well, I did not touch the keys for what I said I would have so much time to touch them. Well, until now.

Sure, I can beat myself up over this, but what good will it do? I can berate myself in my head or even talk to myself out loud, which, believe me, is easy to do when you are alone as much as I have been these past many months.

Yet, why bother fussing over the past when I can’t do a darn thing about it? Sure, time travel sounds cool, but unless you have mastered it, it won’t apply to me unless you share it.

So, here I am, hitting the keys. Pressing them one stroke at a time, one word at a time, one sentence at a time, one paragraph at a time, one thought at a time. It’s pretty cool how this works!

Anyway, if you have read this far and are struggling with getting your thoughts onto the screen, learn from me. It’s not if, but when.

“When” could have been when you planned, but if not, then when can be now. Just hit the first letter and see where it takes you.

Closing Thoughts and Questions

Have you found yourself struggling with getting your thoughts on the page, or rather the screen? Well, let’s not fret about it and instead do it together. Post your plan in the comments, and let’s lean on one another to make things happen. To make our thoughts jump on the page. To get back to writing, even if it’s just for ourselves.

About Michael

Michael Thacker is a not-so-young adult blogger, aspiring writer, and sometimes seller of real estate.

Michael tweets a LOT on Twitter or X, or whatever it is now called. Posts every once in a while on Facebook. Occasionally lets his opinions be known to friends, family, and anyone else who will listen.

More Stories and Poems that I have Shared on Medium

How to Connect with Me

You can follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MichaelThackerI.

If you want to connect on Facebook, the best place is https://www.facebook.com/RMichaelThacker/

Feel free to comment and share your thoughts, network with me, or post a challenge for yourself, and let’s get our writing journeys re-started!

Writing
Procrastination
Open Heart Surgery
Blogging
Writing Tips
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