- Li's Newsletter
- Posts
- Why writing has the power to change your life
Why writing has the power to change your life
The benefits and lessons I've learned
Hey there. Happy Saturday! Today, I want to share some thoughts on writing as a creative person.
Journals I had from past years
Yes, I am a designer, but I write as much as I design, if not more. I firmly believe that writing has the power to change one’s life.
I have been journaling since middle school. During this time, I have documented every key decision in my life, captured vivid emotions from important events, and developed a clearer mind through reflection.
However, my past ten years of writing online have been embarrassing.
I would spend hours writing on my blog, but I was too shy to share the link with my network and recommend it to others. As a result, no one read my blog, and my writing often became unnecessarily long.
If I were starting over, the first thing I would do is write directly on social media and maintain consistency. This approach solves everything.
I recommend you start writing or journaling, and here is why:
1. Our brain is limited.
Can you remember three important things or events that happened last month? It’s hard to trace back in time because our brain cannot remember everything. Writing things down can help.
No matter how boring you think the past days have been, simply write what happened in your journal. Gradually, your mind will flow and help you recall many details of past events.
For me, writing is an extension of our brain's power.
2. It helps straighten our emotions and thoughts.
Whenever I feel confused, frustrated, excited, or happy, I sit down to write. By the time I finish writing, I have a better understanding of what’s on my mind and how to handle my situation.
Many people seek external help when they can't understand what's happening emotionally or mentally. Often, the answers lie within us; we just need the time and space to uncover them. Journaling or writing is a form of self-discovery, revealing that our inner selves are powerful sources of inspiration.
Just like the devil and angel images on each shoulder, I let those conversations unfold in my journal. By the end, I gained a lot of clarity.
3. It brings back memories
Life is full of surprises and memories that we don’t want to forget.
For example, my partner barely remembered the details of our first date, so I pulled out my journal and recounted exactly what happened that day. I also share vivid stories about close friends, which helps create stronger bonds with them.
On the business side, as time goes by, if I don’t document my process and thoughts, I won't have much to share with others if my business succeeds or fails.
4. It’s the foundation of any content
Whether you want to create podcasts, videos, or online courses, everything starts with text. Writing is the foundational skill for all forms of content creation. In this AI-driven world, crafting effective prompts is essential to generate the content you desire. The better you are at articulating your thoughts in writing, the more effectively you can use these tools.
Having a library of my own stories and lessons gives me a wealth of material to work from. This repository of personal experiences and insights can be transformed into various formats, making my content richer and more authentic. It allows me to draw on real-life examples and provide valuable, relatable content to my audience.
5. It helps you build an online presence
People get to know you through your content. If you express yourself well, you can build a strong personal brand online. Everything good starts from here.
Writing on social media has also helped me find my community, make new friends, and grow my business in ways I never could have otherwise. I received more likes on a single post than I did on all my blog posts over a decade.
Final notes
I treat writing as a priority in my life and business. Despite many projects and priorities that can push it aside, I make sure to use my mornings and my clearest mind for writing. People were surprised at the level of output I achieved when I first started.
I heard comments like, "You have a ton of discipline in writing." Rather than discipline, I’d say it’s more of a habit. It comes so naturally that I no longer need to make an effort to write. Sitting down to write is a treat for me rather than a hassle.
If you start writing regularly, even if it’s not online, you will find it incredibly helpful. Begin today and see how it can transform your life and business.
Studio SaltI run Studio Salt, a fractional design partner that serves early stage startups. | AdvisingI also advise startup founder on their product/design and designers on their career. |
Loving my content so far? I’d appreciate if you can share my newsletter to a friend 🙂