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Why Every Entrepreneur Should Have A Daily Writing Practice

This article is more than 10 years old.

By Laura Pepper Wu, writer/editor, The Write Life Magazine.

We all know that our well-being plan should include eating right, sleeping well, drinking plenty of water, and making time for your nearest and dearest. But word has it there's a new kid in town when it comes to increasing our happiness and well-being, a key component to being successful and staying motivated in both our personal and professional lives.

Daily writing.

According to psychological research, writing regularly can provide a sense of control and optimism (Pennebaker, 1997King, 2001), help individuals organize and structure their thoughts and feelings (Pennebaker & Seagal, 1999), and provide positive emotional, biological, and social effects (Pennebaker, 2004). It seems, then, that writing might just be one of the simplest and cheapest ways to significantly boost your happiness, self-e

steem and productivity -- all of which you'll need to bring you closer to the career and personal life you’ve been dreaming of as a busy entrepreneur or professional.

Here's how daily writing achieves all of that goodness:

  1. Making sense of things. Modern life throws plenty of challenges at us. We're now connected 24/7 and more relationships to juggle than we know how to deal with. Writing every day can help make sense of this confusion, unleash your subconscious to help you make wiser decisions, and give you a structured, systematic way to approach to problem solving. No outside distractions, no input or influencing opinions from those around you: just you, yourself and whatever you’re really thinking and feeling
  2. Acknowledging your achievements. When we spend all day looking at our to-do list, we severely neglect and overlook our "Done it and rocked it" list. This is where gratitude journaling can be a great force of nature by becoming a reminder of the beauty and amazing things in your life. Oprah suggests writing five things every day that you're grateful for. You might just find that you feel a boost just by using the written word to appreciate what you have.
  3. Clearing your mind for better communication. Writing first thing in the morning, much like a good run or a yoga session, can help free your mind of it's initial thoughts and worries by "braindumping" all that nonsense on to paper. This morning braindump will leave you with clear and sharp mind. You might also experience the added benefit in the form a boost in both productivity and creativity as a result.

Practical Tips for Writing Daily

  • Turn writing into a habit. Get into a routine. First thing in the morning is ideal but just before bed or during your 4pm slump can be a good time too. Grab a coffee, head out of the office to sit and write somewhere more inspiring.
  • Find a system that works for you. You might use apps on your iPad to keeps track of your progress (750 Words a Day or Day One are both popular choices). Or you might chose to write in a beautifully designed notebook. Whatever encourages you to write more, just make sure it’s distraction-free. Comedy writer Demetri Martin uses a typewriter to write, since there’s no email or Internet to fight for his attention.
  • If nothing else, write an email to a few friends each morning. Having one or two friends that you can check in with each day to discuss challenges and achievements can go a long way in heightening your mood and efficiency throughout the entire day.

Laura Pepper Wu is a writer and editor for The Write Life Magazine, a new digital magazine for anyone who wants to write and loves to write. Laura believes that writing can be enjoyed and benefitted by all. For tips and inspiration on making writing a bigger part of your lifestyle - both personally and professionally - check out TheWriteLifeMagazine.com: a soulful and informative guide to making writing a bigger part of your lifestyle. Connect with Laura on Twitter @laurapepwu.