Benefits of writing and teaching?

Writing and teaching offer numerous benefits, both personally and professionally.

Benefits of Writing

1. Clarifies Thinking: Shane Parrish notes that writing helps you realize the gaps in your understanding. The process of articulating thoughts on paper or digitally forces you to boil down complex ideas into their elemental truths, thereby clarifying your thinking 1.

2. Self-Discovery and Learning: Writing is not just about recording what you know but discovering new ideas and gaining deeper insights. As Shane Parrish points out, reflecting through writing allows you to come to new understandings and ideas, making it a powerful tool for learning 2.

3. Crafting Better Stories: Writing enables you to revise and improve your narratives. Unlike speaking, where the words come out instantaneously, writing gives you the time to refine your message until it resonates and sounds right to you 1.

4. Historical Precedence: Many great historical figures have engaged in journaling as a way to reflect and think deeply. This practice of documenting thoughts has been a common trait among those who have significantly impacted history 2.

Benefits of Teaching

1. Curating Lessons: Teaching allows you to select and present both your successes and failures, providing a balanced and comprehensive learning experience for your audience. It involves effectively choosing the lessons that had different impacts and articulating them clearly 1.

2. Preparation and Refinement: Preparing for teaching requires you to fully understand the material. This preparation ensures that you organize your thoughts, often revealing insights that you might not have noticed otherwise. The act of preparing lessons deepens your understanding and helps solidify knowledge in a structured manner 1.

Overall, both writing and teaching are invaluable for honing your thoughts, discovering new ideas, and effectively communicating complex subjects, ultimately contributing to personal growth and success.