☕️🌞 7 reasons, I write. And one reason it doesn’t make sense for me not to.

The Reasons We Write.

Today I thought we could talk about the reasons we write. I’ll got first

Here are 7 reasons, I write. And one reason it doesn’t make sense for me not to.

1. I write to Document my journey process for myself

2. I write to Document my process for others on the same journey

3. I write to Clarify my thinking

4. I write to Give myself Accountability

5. I write to participate in Community

6. I write for Money

7. I write for Feedback

And this is the reason it doesn’t make sense for me not to write:

I write to scale myself - And this is the point I’ll elaborate on for the rest of this newsletter.

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There are many other reasons, to write, but those are not my reasons. What are your reasons? Do they overlap, are they different?

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Before we continue, I have an ask; I’ve illustrated thousands of insights for my friend and mentor, Rajesh Setty over the years and he’s collected 250 of them into a book. I would love it if you could get a copy for yourself or a set for your organization. The right insight can change the course of a life, many of the insights here have influenced my thinking, but one in particular set me on the fast track when switching to my dream job of being a professional illustrator.

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I write to scale myself

Many of the other reasons to write are additive, meaning if I do it, I’m gaining some small benefit. But if I don’t write I have so much to lose.

If I don’t write, I’m repeating myself … instead of creating assets.

If I don’t write - I’m spending time answering the same questions over and over again.

Instead, I can answer a question well once, and point to it anytime someone asks. This answer will then be available on the internet for anyone who has the same question. Writing also allows me to update my answers, whenever I have new ideas.

I’ve turned the liability of having to repeat myself, into an asset that can be passed around.

If I don’t write, I’m thinking in circles … instead of focusing on the present or iterating my thoughts.

Thoughts go in circles in your head if you don’t let them out.

And writing is the best way to let your thoughts out because you literally make them tangible. And unlike the alternatives, for example, therapy, you can do it anytime and without the aid of another person. Letting these thoughts out by writing frees up your attention.

Now you have some free attention that you can use to engage with the present moment or refine the thoughts you’ve written down.

If I don’t write, I lose the opportunity to make a pre-first impression.

*note a pre-first impression is one of the insights I got from Rajesh Setty

So many things can go wrong during a first impression but writing is one way to mitigate that.

The Zoom might not work. The Uber might be late. You might accidentally say the wrong thing during small talk. But writing is a way you can make a good pre-impression which in turn colors that first impression.

Meeting someone who has a good pre-impression of you negates many of the pitfalls of first impressions and actually gives you an edge.

If I don’t write I’m limited by time and space

Writing unlocks time and space.

Before writing the only way to share ideas was by being in front of people physically. This severely limits your opportunities to spread your ideas. But even though we live in a time where we can transmit ideas all around the world instantly. Many people still chose to limit their influence to cave people levels.

Writing is perceived as a luxury when in fact not writing is something like a prison.

And that dear friend is why not writing is not something I feel I can afford. Let’s talk about the reasons for writing and not writing, I would love to hear different views and get a conversation going in the comments if we can.

Yes, I’m asking YOU to leave a thought in the comments! See you there!

PS: What I know about writing, shortlist.