Ayn Rand is the author libertarians love to quote and liberals love to hate. You may or may not agree with her philosophy, but here’s a bit of advice you should take to heart.
“Words are a lens to focus one’s mind.”
That lens can sharpen your ideas and arguments. Use writing as a way to learn what you think and sharpen what you want to say.
Want more? Check out the complete list of Advice from the Masters posts.
Wally thanks for the advice via Ayn Rand. I love this quote because it is the key thing that keeps me writing. As an extravert, I didn’t think I could sit still long enough to write – but it was a goal and a self-challenge to do so. What I’ve found is that it does focus my thoughts (before I speak them; a hallmark of extroverts is that they tend to speak first and then think), and helps me to become a better coach for my clients.
I have a friend who leads a ballet company. She works out her “stuff” through her choreography and performance. Writers can work out their stuff through writing.
Thanks for those comments, Mary Jo. I’m biased, of course, but I think that writing has the advantage of letting you work out both thoughts and “stuff.” I’ve found that it’s a wonderful basket to collect the pieces of my life, both polished and unpolished.