Why write?
You might say, "I can just livestream, post a video, speak a text, or find the perfect emoji!"
That's true, there are lots of different contexts and mediums to share your message. We aren't constrained to the written word anymore. Communication is nearly instantaneous, traveling at the speed of thought.
It is a stark contrast to 200 years ago, when important messages were delivered by horseback. Critical news in that era was limited by geography and the physical limits of equine stamina.
The cost of communicating has fallen to nearly zero.
That's why writing is more important than ever.
To get noticed in a noisy world, you need to have good writing.
The good news is that it's not incredibly difficult. It just takes practice.
Writing can be challenging. But it's not like winning an Olympic medal. The biggest barrier is your own self doubt.
The best way to get started is to set a simple goal. Write once or twice a week. Make a small commitment by marking these days on your calendar.
If you want to create a personal journal, I recommend http://morningpages.net/. You can also keep your thoughts private if you're not ready to share them with the world.
For quick notes, you can always pop open https://www.editpad.org/.
What are the benefits of writing?
For starters, it helps you to clarify and refine your thoughts. In this day and age, people are more distracted than ever. Writing helps you to crystallize a vague concept into specific details. It gives you a clear mind.
It gives you a voice. You can express yourself. When you do this well, you often discover others that share your values.
Seth Godin talks about finding your tribe. Others call it community. Being connected can amplify your voice, give you feedback, and create a deeper sense of purpose.
Writing gives you credibility. When you convey a message through the written word, it sends a message that you communicate well. Respect.
The ability to focus on a goal and see it through. Priceless.
Most people are consuming, devouring the world with an insatiable appetite. You can be an active producer, instead of a passive consumer. Feed the world.
Motivations
There's lots of reasons why we communicate. And there's just as many platforms to spread the word. But consider the different situations where good writing can help.
You want to express your ideas, your thoughts, your causes.
You have an interest that you want to explore.
You want to share something with others that you are uniquely qualified to talk about.
You are an expert and want to teach someone else your knowledge.
You want to showcase your skills and expertise.
You want to communicate with others in a meaningful way.
You want to have an impact on others.
Guidelines
Pick a specific topic.
Explore it! Go grab some juicy details.
Research what you don't know. Find an expert that does.
What about it interests you? Since your experience and observations belong to you and you alone, this is where you will find your voice. Allow yourself to shine!
Arrange your thoughts on paper/notepad/text editor.
Share with others, get feedback, revise as needed. (optional)
Parting Thoughts
We all communicate, but some are more effective at it.
If you're curious and love to read, discovering fun facts about the world, then writing is a natural extension.
I'm naturally a lurker. I usually prefer to pop my head inside the room, check out the scene, but not get out on the dance floor.
You may feel that writing is putting yourself out there. You might look foolish or get criticized.
If you've read this far, I will tell you it's exhilarating to try something new and overcome a limitation.
Give it a shot! You may be surprised at how it might change you, and the benefits it will bring.
P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts, if this helped you, or what other directions you'd like to see me take!