The Benefits of Writing

Here's an interesting post on the benefits of journaling. The part I want to highlight is as follows:

One effective way researchers have found to reinforce learning is through reflective writing. It turns out that regular journaling can be used to train our attention and strengthen neural pathways. As neurologist and teacher Judy Willis explains:

The practice of writing can enhance the brain’s intake, processing, retaining, and retrieving of information… it promotes the brain’s attentive focus…boosts long-term memory, illuminates patterns, gives the brain time for reflection, and when well-guided, is a source of conceptual development and stimulus of the brain’s highest cognition.

Reflective writing has also been shown to improve decision making and critical thinking in a number of medical professions, including physical therapy and nursing. For practitioners, journals proved to be invaluable tools for examining past experiences, evaluating their own actions, and drawing insights for encountering future challenges.

I have a few thoughts on this:

• I have certainly found that writing helps me crystalize my thinking. Much of the personal value of this blog to me has been gained by writing posts. It's helped me decide what I REALLY believe, learn more about available alternatives, and, ultimately, take action. It's probably been worth an extra half million dollars to my net worth.
• Journaling is recommended in The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM), a book I LOVE, likely for the reasons noted above.
• The more you write, the better writer you become. And being great at writing has several advantages. For instance, it's a skill that employers will pay you more for. Or you could use it to develop a nice side income (as a freelance writer). Or maybe you even write a book!
• Writing is hard. I had to include this to be honest. Writing is not easy, especially if you want to do it well. The nice thing about writing in a journal is that it makes writing a lot easier. You don't need to worry about spelling, grammar, or trying to make the writing sound pretty or even make sense. You just write for yourself!

So, those are my thoughts. What's your take on journaling?

Comments

[freebird]

Spot on, I think this point is extremely important.

I would go so far to say that for anyone in a STEM career, the ability to write clearly and to succinctly describe behaviors in a complex system is 'pure gold'. Without it you will have difficulty demonstrating your expertise, and someone who is better-versed may end up getting the credit for your ideas.

Writing skill for any professional may be akin to location for a retail business. Most of your value is derived from transactions with your customers, and you want to be in a position where it's easy for them to do business with you.

So if you think literature and writing are mere 'electives' for an engineering or finance major, think again!

[Bruce Stott]

One of the benefits I find to writing a journal for myself is that it breaks logjams in my thinking and motivation. I don't yet understand all the workings of journaling, but I find that my attitude, motivation, and consistency improve. My journals are sometimes conclusive, but mostly they are transactional in nature as I assess and organize my thoughts, deeds, actions, and goals. Essentially they are usually very small steps in my journey, with an occasional medium step. I'm still hoping for a leap, but will not get frustrated if one never occurs because of the benefit-cost ratio thus far.