Writing is an undersold cheat code to a better life.
On off-loading mental clutter, surviving overthinking, and why you don't need to be a "writer" to start.
In the last year, I have written more words, than I have in all the years before. I gotta say, I appreciate every single person that preaches and tells people to write more.
There’s something amazing about putting your thoughts on paper. By doing so, you give the thoughts space to breathe - and it is in that moment, something magical happens.
I have been an extreme, obsessive introspective thinker — though I don’t think that truly reflects of just how bad it was. If I had to paint a picture of what that looked like (and there are days where I still do, but not so much anymore — I’d say mostly because of writing) I’d show you a clip of Transformers where Sam is possessed (it’s been a while since I last saw the movie, I think that’s what happens) and starts writing on the walls and mumbling in an alien language non stop. That’s what it felt like. I couldn’t really entertain any of the thoughts, because there was an ocean of them — and storm was the norm.
Though I’m far from where I want to be, I enjoy every minute of writing. That’s why I’d highly encourage you to start writing.
The Cheat Code: Freeing Up Mental RAM
Regardless of what it is you want to achieve (yes, even speaking to yourself in a a more humane manner), communication is key to pretty much everything.
You want to create value to the world? If you can coherently articulate it, you’re more likely to grab people’s attention (and it’s pretty damn scarce nowadays)
Want a promotion? Imagine how easily you could talk your boss to giving you one if you know what to say (even better if you walk the talk)
You want to sell something? Imagine how many sales you can make if you’re a smooth talker.
And the most important: the conversations you have with yourself become a lot better too.
Though the phenomenal positive effects writing has on communication to the side, the cheat code is all about the mental off-loading.
When thoughts only exist in your head, your brain spends tremendous amount of energy not to forget them. Writing forces you to focus on one thought at a time. When dozen other distractions are fighting for your attention, the paper holds it together. If your mind wanders off, you can pick the thread back up.
Not only are you practicing communication, you’re also off-loading your brain’s RAM.
The Nuance
What annoys me about some people who advocate to write more is they sell you clarity; an instant, pristine clarity sent from universe itself.
Wrong.
Writing can make things clearer, but it does not make it absolutely clear 100% of the times.
Sometimes I find myself writing a piece only to understand that I have no idea what I’m writing about and I need to drag my ass to doing some research because I simply have no knowledge on the topic.
Sometimes I’ll write about everything and nothing at the same time — just to get the thoughts out of my brain. A complete chaotic brain dump to empty the mental trash bin.
Even now, after a year of writing, I still find myself looking at a finished piece and not liking the words on the page - as though they don’t fully match the complexity of what I was thinking and feeling inside.
And that’s perfectly fine. Writing isn’t about perfection on the first pass; it’s about expression of self. As Adam grant put it best:
“Make it exist first. You can make it better later.”
Permission to Write Garbage
Do not refuse to write simply because of the ideas you might have of writing. It’s not writing essays, research papers, building personal brand, or even being deeply eloquent.
It’s more about being yourself. Allowing yourself to express your thoughts on paper. Often times they’ll be messy, ugly and all over the place. All of that counts just as much as any other published content online.
If you’re staring at a blank page, paralysed, wondering what you could write about, here’s 3 zero to low friction prompts:
The friction dump: What is keeping you from writing? What’s keeping you from taking the necessary steps to building the life you want to live?
The curiosity log: What is one random idea or topic that caught your attention, or sparked your interest today/this week?
The RAM clean-up: What are 3 thoughts taking up WAAAY too much room in your head right now?
Write about literally anything. It’s less about the output, and more about the art (and act) of writing.
Your Turn
Don’t just close this newsletter promising yourself you’ll start writing/journaling next week.
See the positive effects of the brain dump for yourself.
Make it exist.
Yours Truly,
M
P.S. Here’s the clip from transformers:
- Damn I forgot Dwight was in transformers lol.
I was an avid journaller for over a year until I decided to do audio notes instead! But overall, writing has always been my medium of expression, and I find that to be extremely evident as I express myself through this Substack.