avatarAldric Chen

Summary

The author describes finding an unexpected opportunity to write while waiting for a friend, turning the idle time into a productive period of content creation and distribution.

Abstract

The article recounts the author's experience of arriving early for a brunch appointment and using the waiting time to complete various writing tasks. Initially feeling guilty for not finishing a content distribution list before leaving home, the author takes advantage of the downtime to work on a laptop, distribute live-stream videos, post on social media, and draft a Medium story. Despite the friend's delay, the author remains productive and even finds inspiration to write, emphasizing the importance of seizing the moment for creative work. The article concludes with the friend's arrival and a reflection on the value of writing whenever inspiration strikes.

Opinions

  • The author believes that inspiration for writing can strike at unexpected moments, such as while waiting for someone.
  • There is a sense of guilt for not completing a task before leaving home, but this is offset by the productive use of waiting time.
  • The author values the importance of being adaptable and using available tools (like a smartphone) to work remotely.
  • The article suggests that a conducive environment for writing isn't always necessary, and that one should write whenever possible, even in non-ideal circumstances.
  • The author implies that writing can be a therapeutic activity, helping to pass time and maintain focus while waiting.
  • The author's productivity is driven by the use of various platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Medium) to distribute content, highlighting the importance of a multi-platform approach in content strategy.
  • The act of writing is portrayed as a way to connect with others, as seen when the author responds to comments and engages with the audience while waiting.
  • The author's anticipation and excitement for the meeting, coupled with the nostalgia of past debates, show that personal interactions can be a source of inspiration and motivation for creative work.

When Is The Best Time To Write?

Answer: Where you are waiting for someone.

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

I was excited heading for a brunch appointment this morning. It was a casual meeting with an ex-colleague I have not met for months. She was heading for an overseas job posting and will not be home for many years to come.

As I was making my way, many thoughts raced through my mind. One of which is that I missed her. Probably more than I thought. It was amazing. We had a heated debate 6 months ago. Still, I missed speaking to her. Part of me felt that I should give her a hug when we meet.

I arrived at the destination 10 minutes early. I mentioned her name and was brought to the table. When I was seated, I texted her informing that I have arrived. Then I remembered only when the stars are aligned on February 30th that she will be on time.

As I still had time to kill, I decided to get some work done while waiting. My fingers were all over my phone way before the cup of Matcha Latte arrived.

From 1020am — 1030am: Light Work.

Actually, I felt rather guilty coming out. A content distribution list was due this morning and I didn’t get to it before rushing out. It was supposed to a weekly routine. It was meant to be a predictable.

And I missed this week’s.

I preceded to work on the distribution list using my phone which is kind of miserable for my fingers because the screen is just so small and the typing on the laptop keyboard seems much easier. I was done in 10 minutes and quickly published it on Linkedin before the arrival of my ex-colleague.

From 1030am — 1040am: Social Media Posts.

The Matcha Latte is half done.

Image Contributed by the Author.

My ex-colleague hasn’t arrived. I saw a notification on my phone that she is 3 bus stops away. I figured there is still some time, so I should do something.

Then I went on to Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin to distribute Live-stream videos that were uploaded on YouTube. I gave some thought about the posts, wrote a skeleton draft and then change the orientation slightly to match the various platforms.

I started posting. When I was done, I thought I should distribute some of my Medium stories as well so I just did that while finishing that glass of Matcha Latte.

From 1040am — 11am: Medium Story Drafting.

I was done distributing my YouTube videos on the 3 major platforms. Initial comments came in and I responded while on the platform. I accelerated my exit from the platforms rather quickly in order not to be caught up with the euphoria of commentating.

Then I realised that my friend hasn’t arrived. There were no messages from her either.

Image Contributed by the Author.

My glass of water is now half empty and I am still thirsty. It is amazing just how much water we need when we are working. I felt in need of more so I ordered another cup of coffee.

Coffee is a real salvation for people like me.

And then I was tinkering with the idea of writing a Medium story draft while waiting. 3 seconds later, I found myself typing profusely on my Notepad application. The draft version on this story is born. There were hijacks in between and I had to take a call pertaining to a commercial agreement with a client.

Took 5 minutes to align with the team overseas (it’s evening in the U.S.) and I went back to the story draft.

I was exactly at this sentence when the clock on my smartphone hit 11am.

I paused and saved what I had. Took a sip of water and realised that I was greeted with an apology. Not to mention that I was greeted by a wide smile and I felt that the warmth from the Morning Sun has hit me.

My friend is here. We hugged. Nothing more needs to be said.

A Simple Takeaway.

We think too much at times.

Sure, writing requires inspiration, the right moment and a conducive environment. That said, we never know when that moment will appear. It came to me while I was waiting.

Maybe that will work for you too.

Related Stories from the Author.

About the Author:

As a Consultant by training, I believe in making the complex simple.

Because simplicity adds value.

Simplicity helps us gain clarity, and clarity helps us to grow.

And if we are not growing, then what’s the point of anything else?

What do you think about the article? Comment Below!

This is more about me as a Content Contributor on Medium.

Do reach out and say hi on Linkedin!

Time
Self Improvement
Writing
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