Personal Development Through Writing

The personal development of writing begins with the intention to form a relationship with words. And a link of expressing yourself with words. Writing is a thoughtful way of doing so. But to be effective, you must become one with the page. That’s a little advice from baby Yoda. 

From a practical standpoint, it’s simple. You will need a pen and paper. Let’s create a relationship that honors both the person and the writer.

The celebrated journey of living begins with the intention to form a relationship. Writing is a profound tool for doing so, but to be effective, it requires the formation of another intimate connection. Become one with the page. From a practical standpoint, it’s easy. You will need a pen and paper. But from a theoretical perspective, you want a relationship that honors both the art of writing and the path of personal development. For this to happen, two more fundamentals are required. The tools are the pen and paper – but they are of no use if you don’t have the commitment and permission.

I know from experience the uncertainty that writing can stir in the gut, the sweat it brings to the hands and the turning away from many an adventure that you truly desire. Still, words, paper, and pen, they are the companions.  To become a confident traveler on this journey, you are to come to know and grow yourself through the act of writing.

Let’s begin by expanding upon what I mean by a connection with the page. If you choose to make writing a part of your life, it is no different than any other relationship you form. Simply put, if you want deep connections with your loved ones or your friends to work and be healthy, then you must be present. You cannot ignore or neglect them; but, must offer to them your time, your energy, and your continuing presence. You must, in short, commit. Likewise, commit to your writing. 

The only journey is the one within.

Rainer Maria Rilke

Commitment

Your words have to be real. They must move and touch you to have transformation. This type of writing develops through an intimate connection. You can get this result by showing up to meet the page and discovering the words and energy within you. By giving voice to that desire and expression, you will uncover things about yourself that you might not have ever known. 

Understand, writing in this way is the highest commitment you will ever make. You are committing to enter into an authentic relationship with yourself. Your work will resonate with only the amount of truth that you are willing to discover within yourself.

And so, if you are to write, you must commit to this relationship even with all of its risks. Without a doubt, you will meet characters, places, and experiences that will embarrass or distress you. Writing makes us feel vulnerable just as it should. 

When stepping into any new relationship, you do so with vulnerability. You’re unsure of what lies ahead but willing, still, to enter into the unknown.

Why? Because there are treasures found in the adventure of this relationship between self and words. There are a startling depth and breadth in the experience. You discover joy, beauty, and the rawness of being. Painful moments can become those that renew your vision and leave you wiser.

Too often, a relationship with oneself is the last to be given time or attention. But it is the most crucial. And the kind of relationship that the page demands is the kind that leaves nothing hidden but promises to love without judgment.

Getting Started

And so, how do you embark upon this relationship with the page, and with yourself? You write. 

First, develop the practice of writing. 

You can call it journaling, scribing, drafting, or whatever you like. If writing is a way in which you choose to know yourself or a skill you wish to perfect. Then, it’s time to commit. 

Have you heard of Charles Hamilton? He’s an English author that has estimated to have written about 100 million words in his lifetime. Talk about commitment.

Materials to begin this journey.

Get paper, a notebook or journal. Anything will do, a pad of post-its, a favorite graphic notepad, or a fancy leather-bound journal.

Then find a pen, not a pencil or computer keyboard. Learn to let the words flow as they move from heart and gut to hand. We don’t want to interrupt this flow with erasure, backspace, or delete.

For one week, commit to daily writing.

Choose a time of day.

Decide upon the amount of time you will dedicate to writing. My suggestion is to start for 15 minutes. We can do anything for 15 minutes. Then, when you’re comfortable, increase each day by another 5 minutes.

Make an appointment with yourself. Honor this time as you would any other. If you choose to write in the early morning hours before the rest awake, then set it and make it work. Put the appointed time on your calendar for each of the next seven days. 

Prepare a comfortable place and dedicate it to your writing space.  You’ll sit with your notebook and pen in hand. I suggest you set a timer for whatever length of time you choose and write.

If you need help to begin, try this writing prompt: Right now, I… and let your hand decide the next word, and then the one after that.

When the week comes to an end, review your commitment.

Were you able to adhere to the structure?

If not, what obstacles stood in your way?

What is one thing you could do to remove the obstacles or work around them?

Would you like to continue writing? Daily? If not, how often?

What writing practice would work for you? How much commitment can you dedicate to your schedule? Write it down. Try it out.

Continue to review and revise as necessary. Stay Committed.

Receiving Permission

Permission. I’m not talking about asking for approval from your loved ones or your boss. Instead, seek consent from yourself.

One primary reason that students give for not continuing a writing practice is the belief that it is a self-indulgent act for which they have no time. 

I’m sure you have many “commitments.” So, it is easy to turn writing for your purposes into a nonessential hobby. Doing things for reasons outside the scope of economic or social productivity, we tend to abandon first. But to truly embark upon this journey in a way that will enhance your writing and discovering yourself, you must realize that you have to make room for this opportunity. 

If you’re struggling, try this exercise:

Ask yourself: Why do I want to write? Write down your answer.

Then repeat when you feel like you’re faltering: I permit myself to write because (fill in your answer from above).

The reason you desire to write is good enough. Accept that motivation is your desire to write. You don’t have to qualify it more.

Keep your permission statement from above posted someplace where you will see it every day. And when you do see it, repeat it until you believe it wholeheartedly.

It’s time you chose to begin.

And now begin. Write and know that for every word you scribble, your subconscious is awakening. Your mind will be creative. That will, in time, produce the seeds of your next journey.