Importance of Writing Things Down: Inside Strategic Coach

Introduction

• Discussion on the importance of writing things down, particularly handwriting.
• Corey from the team asked Dan why writing things down is important.
• Surprise in Dan’s answer on the significance.

Clarifying Thoughts Through Writing

• Thoughts are unclear when they remain inside our heads.
• Various exercises at Strategic Coach: Goal setting and obstacle identification.
• Writing makes thoughts objective, creating personal distance.
• Frees up the brain, leading to clearer and more creative thinking.
• Successful life: converting thoughts into successful actions repeatedly.

Making Subjective Thoughts Objective

• Writing provides emotional distance from thoughts.
• Distills thoughts into clear, isolated ideas in boxes.
• Isolation allows for concentration and clear attention.
• Access to personal experience when you handle isolated thoughts similarly to past experiences.

Physical Writing vs. Typing

• Physical writing has a different impact on thinking compared to typing.
• Separation process, mind-mapping, and using hands engage the brain differently.
• Significant brain activity (30% or more) is connected to the dominant hand.
• Writing impacts memory and reinforces learning.

Hands and Brain Connection

• Human evolution: opposable thumbs and fine motor skills enhance brain development.
• Hands-on activities create better thinkers and problem solvers.
• Examples from musicians and personal experiences with automatic actions through hands.

Teaching and Decline of Handwriting

• Importance of learning printing and cursive writing as children for brain development.
• Handwritten notes in marketing and personal communication have greater impact.
• Handwritten messages are rare and thus more valued and memorable.

Negative Aspects of Writing Down Thoughts

• Avoid writing negative messages to others; it impacts both the sender and receiver negatively.
• Writing down thoughts makes the brain take them seriously, even negative ones.
• Focus on writing positive and productive thoughts to reinforce positive actions and experiences.

Practical Application and Summary

• Use handwriting to clarify thoughts and set goals.
• Writing down daily goals and reflections can significantly impact personal development.
• Encourage writing (preferably by hand) for personal conversations and planning.
• Strategic Coach emphasizes writing for better self-conversations and effective goal achievement.

Conclusion

• Daily writing practice leads to better brain shaping, reinforcing positive lessons.
• Suggesting practice: write down a few things each night for the next day.