4 Reasons Writing Practice Makes Perfect
Why does writing practice make perfect?
If you want a successful LNC business, you must get comfortable with writing. You’ve probably noticed that some people write with ease. Perhaps you envy them. Maybe you think they were born with that talent, and you conclude that you’ll never have it.
You may never become a famous writer, but you don’t need to set the bar that high.
While it’s true that some people are born with a facility for language, no one can effortlessly produce highly readable writing.
It Takes Writing Practice
Writing is like everything else in life. Athletes, artists, singers, and typists practice. A natural gift is like a rough stone that a gem cutter shapes into a jewel. With practice, any intelligent person can become a competent writer. Practice, dedication, and imagination may raise them to higher levels.
Without practice, though, whatever talent you have is as undiscovered as that rough stone.
It Takes Patience
You do have to get some basics out of the way. Learn the essentials of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. You probably learned these in school, and you only need to remember. Find a good book or books on these subjects. Attorneys are hyper-focused on every word in a document. They’ll spot typos and other errors and wonder if the LNC who wrote the report has the necessary skills to succeed in this field.
One typo can change an entire report.
Explore sites—there are many—on these subjects. They are often clever and entertaining and make learning fun. Some of them have online tests you can take. This will help you gauge your progress.
You can more easily focus on writing when you don’t have to stop to remember where the comma goes.
Discover Your Voice
A lot gets written about a writer’s “voice.” This is not a mysterious concept. Your voice as a writer is how you express who you are. Everyone’s voice is as different from yours as they are, and this is good news. It means that you are unique. You can write in a way that no one else can.
A good way to develop your voice is to keep a journal. Use it to free write. For example, you could set a ten-minute timer and use that time to write whatever comes into your mind. (Don’t worry about grammar, etc., while doing this.) By creating a safe space where you write without fear of others’ judgment, you forge a pathway from your innate creativity to your conscious mind.
You’ll also be practicing a style of writing that works very well for a first draft on any subject for blog post or social media post. Most writers will tell you that this draft should be a form of freewriting. Jot down your ideas, notes for what you’ll look up later, anecdotes, and anything related to the subject you want to write about. Editing comes later.
Practice and Practice Some More
You will get into a writing rhythm if you are consistent and dedicated. If you are patient, you will see progress.
Don’t worry about how much time it takes. Give it the time you can. Ten minutes daily will get you more than half an hour a week.
As a bonus, your writing, especially your journal writing practice, can lead you on a voyage of discovery.
People have reported that regular journal writing has taught them to be more self-forgiving and self-appreciative. Wouldn’t that be enough if you got no additional rewards from writing?
You will get more, though. The time will come when a once-weekly blog won’t intimidate you. You may decide to write a newsletter, a sales brochure, or a speech.
When you develop ease as a writer, the world opens for you.
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Pat Iyer is president of The Pat Iyer Group, which develops resources to assist LNCs in obtaining more clients, making more money, and achieving their business goals and dreams.
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