Why Should You Write for Yourself? Here are 5 Reasons
75% of successful writers prioritize writing for themselves regularly. (Writer's Digest, 2023 survey).
The most powerful tool that a writer can have isn’t fancy writing software or the biggest library , but the simple act of writing for themselves.This isn’t just about keeping a journal or jotting down random thoughts. It’s about dedicating time and space to explore your own mind.
But why should you write for yourself?
1. Working Memory Increase: Your brain constantly processes information, and sometimes it gets overloaded. Writing acts as a pressure valve, allowing you to release and organize those thoughts, externalizing the internal. Writing acts as a mental workout, strengthening your working memory capacity. According to a study, expressive writing can increase working memory capacity. The study examined the effect of emotional disclosure through expressive writing on available working memory capacity in 2 semester-long experiments. The results showed that expressive writing led to an increase in working memory capacity. Personal writing benefits you with sharper thinking, improved focus, and a greater ability to navigate complex tasks.
2. Boosting Creativity: Writing freely, also known as freestyle writing can be most helpful in boosting creativity. No rules, no expectations, just you and your pen (or keyboard, if you’re fancy). Many writers have shared their experiences about freewriting. Irish poet and playwright William Butler Yeats was one of many writers who were deeply influenced by this practice. It became such an integral part of his life that it permeated both his creative work and his daily routines.
3. Critical Thinking and Emotional Intelligence: In a study, researchers found that freewriting can improve critical thinking and emotional intelligence by a large margin. Writing helps us understand our decisions and the absurd things we do. It can make you more clear-headed. The decision you make in a spar of moments may make you regretful for many days. Freestyle writing makes you notice all of your flaws. Your subconscious biases don’t get that much place in the writing. This is one of the benefits of keeping a journal.
4. Self-discovery: As you write, you explore your thoughts and feelings. There are no "right" or "wrong" ways to write for self-discovery. This journey of self-discovery isn’t just about unearthing buried memories or hidden talents. It’s about forging a deeper understanding of who you are, what you value, and how you navigate the world around you. Each word you write becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of your self-portrait, revealing the subtle details that make you unique. As you write, surprises are inevitable. You might stumble upon a childhood memory that unlocks a long-forgotten fear or a seemingly insignificant event that reveals a recurring pattern in your life. These insights, however uncomfortable they may be initially, hold the power to unlock personal growth and understanding. By confronting your shadows on the page, you gain the courage to face them in real life.
5. Dreams to Reality: The act of putting pen to paper forces us to define our goals with specificity. We move beyond vague aspirations and articulate concrete, measurable objectives. This clarity reduces ambiguity and ensures we’re striving towards a well-defined target. A 2009 study published in the prestigious Psychological Science journal revealed a surprising truth: writing down your goals increases the likelihood of achieving them by a staggering 50%. This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s proof of the power of human psychology. When we commit our aspirations to paper, they shift from fleeting thoughts to tangible realities. The act of writing crystallizes our desires, giving them form and definition. It’s like creating a roadmap, a clear and concise guidepost that keeps us focused and motivated on our journey.
Writing for yourself is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process, the stumbles, the surprises. Don’t wait for the "right" time or the "perfect" idea. Start today, with a blank page and an open mind. You might be surprised at the treasures you can find within yourself.
Research Papers:
1. Klein K, Boals A. Expressive writing can increase working memory capacity. J Exp Psychol Gen. 2001 Sep;130(3):520-33. doi: 10.1037//0096-3445.130.3.520. PMID: 11561925.
2. Han, H., & Lee, S. Y. (2010). Writing to learn: The effects of writing assignments on students' self-understanding and emotional intelligence. Educational Research and Review, 5(6), 363-372.
3. Li, L. Y. (2018). Exploring the Use of Focused Freewriting in Developing Academic Writing. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 15(2).
