WRITE IT DOWN
WHAT
Write.
Things.
Down.
On paper.
On a device.
Whatever works for you.
Read a useful idea in a book?
Saw a good tip on YouTube?
Heard a pearl of wisdom on the Audible audiobook you have been trying to finish for a few months but you only get the chance to listen to while driving, and who drives anymore in this post-COVID world where we all turned into remote workers???
Phew… sorry…
Just write things down, trust me.
(And save. Remember to save. This is the second time I’m writing this article from scratch…)
WHY
Do I have to spell it out for you?
Oh, that’s the point :)
Here are 10 reasons to write things down:
Recall: improve your chances of remembering that piece of information
Process: get your brain to keep analyzing the information in the background
Motivate: sharing you written ideas can motivate you and others
Crystalize: forcing yourself to better clarify the information and concept
Visibility: if it’s written down, you can share it
Practice: communicating your stories and information is a superpower
Debrief: writing about your experiences and mistakes can help you learn from them
Document: for other, for later
Accountability: hold yourself and other responsible for your commitments
Relax: writing things down helps your brain relax from the stress of having to take care or remember them
HOW
Now that we have established 10 reasons to write, let’s see some examples.
#1 Personal JOURNAL
Advocated for by great philosophers and Stoics.
Recapping your day, going over your highs and lows, can help you learn and grow.
Planning your day, can help you face the stress with more resilience.
#2 Work JOURNAL
Every week, summarize your highlights and lowlights.
It will help up recall better, and plan better for the future.
#3 Team JOURNAL
If you are leading a team, keep a journal of their high and lows.
It can help you be more engaged, and appreciative of your team members.
TAKEAWAYS
Write things down.
Don’t worry about the format or quality.
Just find a few minutes to write.