One invaluable professional and life skill we should all develop with intentionality is writing skills. Despite its omnipresence in our daily interactions, evidenced by the 361 billion emails we send daily to the 2 billion active users on social media platforms communicating through emojis and characters frequently, the art of deliberate and meaningful writing as a form of communication is not given enough attention and is undervalued. Despite the threat of AI, from the likes of Gemini and Chat GPT, the power of writing remains as potent as ever, offering a multitude of economic, social, and professional benefits to individuals across all walks of life. Whether it is the simple act of journaling to unravel our innermost thoughts, the precision required in composing professional emails, preparing proposals, or the creative expression found in crafting narratives, storytelling, skit making, and content-creating writing serves as a versatile tool that holds the potential to enrich and empower us in countless ways.
“Express Yourself”
At the top of the Maslow hierarchy of needs triangle, represents the most important need for literally every human being; Self-Actualisation. The need to be understood and accepted for who you are is critical and one of the ways we seek to find acceptance is in the the way we communicate. In the words of the beautiful African Hollywood-based actor Lupita Nyong’o “your dreams are valid” and one of the ways you can share your dreams with the world is through written expression.
When you write, you translate your thoughts, feelings, and ideas into a fixed format, written words. Whether you are happy, morose, excited, or confused, writing lets you express yourself creatively. You can share your emotions with yourself by writing in a journal, or you can share them with others by writing stories, poems, or letters. By articulating your views and thoughts in a fixed form many and preserved for generations coming behind through writing.
Clear Communication
Writing is essentially a form of communication and the purpose of writing is totally lost if the message is not clear. Clear communication means making sure the intended audience, the reader, and other third parties understand what message you intend to convey. In our everyday lives and jobs, good communication is very important. In fact, it is not just important. It is sacrosanct. Good writing keeps us productive and helps us work well with others. Whether you send an official email update or prepare a professional industry report, being able to express your thoughts clearly helps convey important messages.
Critical Thinking
Imagine your beautiful brain as a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. Writing serves as a mental workout for your brain. When you engage in writing, you are required to sift through your thoughts, akin to tidying up a room. It necessitates a thorough examination of details, akin to a detective scrutinising evidence for clues. This process aids in establishing connections between disparate ideas and comprehending the broader context.
Just as physical exercise enhances bodily strength, writing enhances cognitive abilities, particularly problem-solving skills. It fosters clarity of thought, thereby equipping you with a heightened capacity to address challenges effectively. Consequently, when confronted with a hurdle, you possess a well-prepared mind, primed for resolution. Therefore, the next time you encounter a situation demanding deliberation, seize a pen and paper and engage in writing. It serves as a potent stimulant for intellectual prowess!
Memory and Learning
Imagine your brain is akin to a filing cabinet. Occasionally, information becomes jumbled up and lost within it. Writing things down, such as taking notes or creating lists, is akin to neatly categorising those crucial documents in clear folders within your cabinet. This process aids in organising information within your mind, facilitating easier retrieval later on. It is akin to giving your brain a gentle jog to enhance recollection. Therefore, the next time you aim to learn something new, reach for a pen and jot it down – it will be more likely to stay with you over time!
Creativity Boost
Do you ever find yourself bursting with fantastic ideas only to forget them shortly after? One way to ensure your ideas don’t evaporate as quickly as they pop into your mind is by writing them down. That is a secret hack deployed by successful people particularly creatives who can attest to the importance of keeping a notebook or journal handy. Writing ignites your imagination, allowing you to explore a multitude of exciting possibilities. Think of it as a playground where your creativity can roam freely – you can experiment with words, create new worlds, and become whoever you wish to be! Writing enables you to unlock all those wonderful ideas tucked away in your mind, transforming them into something truly extraordinary. So, the next time you are feeling inspired, grab hold of a pen and paper, and let your imagination take flight!
Self-Reflection
Writing serves as a powerful tool for introspection and learning from our experiences. By maintaining a journal, for instance, we create a space where we can document our thoughts, emotions, and encounters. This act provides us with a means to revisit these entries, offering a window into our past selves and the events that have shaped us. Through reflection, we can gain valuable insights into our reactions, behaviours, and the patterns that govern our lives. Writing allows us to unpack complex emotions, process challenging situations, and derive meaning from our experiences. It provides a platform for self-discovery, enabling us to understand ourselves more deeply and make informed choices moving forward. In essence, writing acts as a mirror, reflecting our inner worlds and helping us navigate the journey of self-awareness and personal growth.
Empowerment
A childhood friend of mine who is now a top HR professional at JP Morgan NY, Yabu Sesay once told me, if you are passionate enough about a subject matter or concept then write about it. Her words have stuck with me and guided me ever since. If you want to become a thought leader. You need to learn to express yourself in writing. If you want to become known as an authority in a subject matter. Write for media columns, blogs, and industry bodies. You can contribute to academic or scientific journals if your papers are well-researched and well-written.
Writing elevates your profile in many ways. Your writing will traverse many oceans and lands you may never even visit. It builds influence, helps create and raise awareness for causes, and can even change lives. Writing is effectively your superpower! Whether you wish to voice your opinions as a leader, share your story with a wider audience, or simply express your thoughts, writing provides a platform for you to do so. It enables you to articulate your beliefs and advocate for causes close to your heart.
The words you put down on paper or type on a screen have the potential to enact real change and influence others positively. It is akin to granting yourself a voice capable of inspiring those around you and effecting meaningful transformations.
Therefore, the next time you feel compelled to speak up, grab hold of a pen and paper, or use your phone or computer, and let your words flow. Your voice matters, and your words can be immensely powerful! I hope you enjoyed this edition. Please share, repost, or like. Your actions and engagement means a great deal.