Why I Started Writing Again, And Why You Should Too
Discover three universal benefits of writing.
Two weeks ago, I decided to start writing again.
Writing is something I used to do often. I wrote for my school newspaper, posted personal blog posts, ran a sneaker blog, and even wrote a book. It’s safe to say that writing once played a significant role in my life.
And after an extended hiatus, I’ve decided to return and write for public consumption again.
However, I know that my return will be short-lived without attaching a “why” to my writing. As with most things in life, it’s challenging to sustain an action without proper internal motivation. And often, that inner motivation comes from evaluating why you’re performing said action.
In this case, I’ve asked myself, “why do you want to write again?”
To take it a step further, I’ve also committed to continually asking myself “why” as my reasoning may change over time. It’s vital to be proactive and check in with yourself to avoid falling into the trap of going through the motions.
So without further ado, here are my “why’s” for writing. If you’re contemplating returning to writing or thinking about writing for the first time, I hope they provide some insight into the benefits and power of writing — personally and professionally.
Writing Is a Means of Expression
Growing up, I wasn’t always the best at expressing my emotions verbally, so when I stumbled upon writing and learned that I could communicate my feelings through the written word, I was hooked.
Everybody expresses themselves differently, and many people express themselves in various ways. Writing is one of the ways that I choose to express myself.
The neat thing about writing is that you don’t have to share it. I advocate for sharing your writing with the world but sometimes writing is less about the content and more about the process. Writing can be a cathartic release and healing in many ways.
Writing can also be a stepping stone to sharing your emotions verbally. By labeling your feelings through the written word, you’re often better able to communicate your emotions verbally.
Writing allows you more time to reflect and process your emotions which can be helpful when you don’t have experience identifying emotions or are overwhelmed with a mix of emotions.
Expression, creative, emotional, or otherwise, is an essential part of our daily lives. It also helps us connect with others. Practicing writing will help you connect deeper with those around you and become more in tune with yourself.
Writing Can Help Your Career
It’s hard for me to think of a career track where you don’t write.
If you:
- Send emails
- Draft contracts
- Craft persuasive pitch decks
- Send off business-related texts
- Create engaging product descriptions
- Compose speeches
- Share press releases
- Post on social media
Then you write on the job, so why not get a little better.
Writing as a business function is simply sharing a message or idea through written word. Learning to share ideas with more clarity and efficiency is hugely beneficial. It will help you and your ideas stand out.
Writing Is a Form of Communication
When people think of communication, they often jump to verbal communication. And I’ll admit that’s probably the most essential type of communication. Public speaking is one of the most crucial life skills one can learn — however, verbal communication is not the only kind.
You can communicate through art, movement, body language, acts of service, and you guessed it — written word.
Communication is a cornerstone of healthy relationships and a foundational skill in business and many other careers. It cannot hurt to sharpen your ability to communicate through writing. On the flip side, if you cannot communicate effectively through writing, you are opening yourself up to being misunderstood and misinterpreted.
When you approach writing as another skill that will advance your career and personal life, it becomes a no-brainer. Writing may not be everyone’s passion, but it’s undoubtedly a skill everyone should take some time to develop further.
The best way to improve your writing? Write more.
Start with journaling. If you don’t know how or find it intimidating, start with a journal that includes writing prompts.
There are no downsides to becoming a better writer, so what are you waiting for?
If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about improving your writing, follow along! I post daily on various topics and am committed to learning alongside you. Thank you for your time. Feel free to let me know your thoughts in the comments!
