For many, writing consistent, quality content can become challenging over time. But despite the challenge, writing is still an essential form of communication used on a daily basis, from texting, sending emails, and even writing the perfect captions for social media. Despite your reason for growth, here are 8 ways to improve your writing skills in any capacity.
Be clear
Clear writing focuses on communicating one message in a way that is simple. Good writing is clear thinking on paper that is logical, specific, and easy to follow. Focus on relaying ideas in a way that is systematic and easy to understand.
Avoid fluff
Quality writing focuses on using words that must earn their place on the page. Instead of trying to write lengthy text, be sure to avoid filler words, such as that, just, really, or very. Unnecessary words take up space and taint the intended message.
Write before you edit
Though you may be tempted to modify your writing during the actual process, your best content comes when you write freely. Instead of attempting to correct mistakes at the moment, first focus on communicating your ideas in fullness to stay on track, and edit later.
Write daily
Getting in the practice of writing every day can significantly strengthen the way you write, and help you build a consistent habit. Set aside time to grow in your craft, even if only journaling for 5 minutes or writing a lengthy note in your phone
Read daily
The more you read, the more familiar you enrich your vocabulary, absorb different sentence structures, and produce quality content. Make reading a daily discipline to learn from the writing styles of others, and implement them in your own work.
Exercise daily
Though exercise isn’t directly correlated to writing – moving your body for 15 minutes a day can reap a multitude of benefits. Exercise is proven to release endorphins that improve your mood, decrease anxiety – and even increase your creativity.
Write down new ideas
No matter what the idea, jot down notes of any new creative thoughts that come your way, and get in the practice of recording them. When those thoughts continue to linger, continue to write them down – you never know where the story may lead!
Write first thing
In a consumerist society, we are bombarded by hundreds of messages on a daily basis from text messages, ads, and threads of emails in both our personal and professional inboxes. Create before you consume, and allow yourself to write in a way that’s unfiltered and without distraction.
Though writing takes skill, developing the discipline to put your writing into practice will drastically improve your ability over time. Instead of taking shortcuts, put in the hard work to grow your writing ability, knowing it will carry you throughout your entire career and life.