Now What, Thomas D.? — How to Start Over After Failure in Middle Age

"No! Thomas D. is not like that!"

[🎧 The audio version is available at the bottom of the page.] ⬇

(Scene: A Talk Show. YOU are Thomas D. You find yourself sitting with the audience in anticipation as the camera zooms in on the HOST. Across from him sits DR. VICTOR STEELE, a stern expert with piercing eyes and an air of authority.)

Host: Good evening, and welcome. Tonight, we explore the tragic case of Thomas D.—47 years old, single, drowning in debt, and working a dead-end job. His life, frankly, has become a masterclass in failure.

(The Host glances at Dr. Steele, who sits with an amused expression, leaning back in his chair.)

Host: With us is Dr. Victor Steele, an expert on human behavior and habits. Dr. Steele, thank you for joining us.

Dr. Steele: The pleasure is all mine. I mean, how often do we get such a textbook case?

Host: Let’s start with the question everyone wants answered: Can Thomas turn things around? With discipline, couldn’t he change his life?

Dr. Steele: Discipline? For Thomas? Let’s be serious. Discipline is for people who’ve at least tried to succeed at some point in their lives. Thomas wouldn’t recognize discipline if it slapped him in the face. He’s spent decades perfecting the art of avoidance and laziness.

Host: But surely anyone can rebuild their life with small steps? A daily walk, writing down goals, building momentum—those things could work, right?

Dr. Steele: Oh, please. This is a man who’s spent 47 years running from discomfort. What’s he going to write in his journal? He’d quit as soon as it got remotely challenging.

Host: But doesn’t the human mind have the capacity for resilience? Couldn’t therapy or guidance from a mentor help him break these patterns?

Dr. Steele: You’re talking about resilience in a man who gets winded walking to the mailbox. Therapy and mentorship only work if someone is willing to put in the effort. Thomas isn’t looking for guidance—he’s looking for excuses. One tiny setback and he’d crumble like a house of cards.

Host: So, what you’re saying is… this isn’t just a bad phase. This is who he is?

Dr. Steele: Exactly. He’s the perfect product of his habits—procrastination, avoidance, and self-doubt. It’s like he’s built his entire personality around failure. Changing that would require tearing himself down to the studs and starting over. And let’s be honest—Thomas doesn’t have the guts for that.

(You, sitting in the audience, grip the edge of your seat. Dr. Steele’s mocking words ignite a fire within you. You stand abruptly.)

You: No! Thomas D. is not like that!

(The audience gasps. The Host’s eyes widen in shock. Dr. Steele raises an amused eyebrow, his mocking smirk widening.)

You: He’s not fragile! He can change! He will change!

(Three security guards appear out of nowhere. You struggle as they drag you toward the exit.)

You: You’re wrong, Dr. Steele! Thomas D. is—

Host: Well… that was unexpected.

Dr. Steele: A little dramatic, don’t you think? Denial is a powerful thing.

(The Host straightens in his chair, addressing the camera with forced professionalism.)

Host: Thank you, Dr. Steele, for your candid, if polarizing, insights.

Dr. Steele: Always happy to provide clarity, no matter how hard it is to hear.

Host: (turning to the camera) For updates on Thomas’s story and further analysis, visit the link on your screen. Thank you for watching, and good night.

(Posted on Threads on 31.12.2024)

#StartOverAfterFailure

(🎧 Audio Version) Now What, Thomas D.? — How to Start Over After Failure in Middle Age