In school, writing was necessary. After graduation, writing became an option. At least good writing did. Everyone takes notes from time to time, but do we allow writing to help us in our learning? It always amazes me how much I remember, after I actually write it down on paper. When we write, we make our learning stick. [callout]This is a 3 part series about how we can continue to learn beyond the traditional classroom setting.[/callout]
To make this a little easier to digest, especially for those who don’t like to write, I offer four things we can all work towards:
1. Journal and/or Notebook Writing
My mind races. I’m always thinking about something. One of the ways I collect my thoughts is by keeping a notebook with me. I use my notebook for weekly to-do lists, sermon notes, blog notes, and whatever comes to mind during my devotions. Writing down our thoughts can really help us to develop them into concrete ideas.
While you may call it “over-kill”, I’m pretty particular about my notebook (I use a 5×8.25 plain Moleskine). For reasons why, check out my blog post: “Moleskine versus iPad.” At the end of the day, however, choose something that works for you and run with it!
2. Social Media Writing
While I often feel like Social Media is a necessary evil these days, there’s something profitable about social media posts – they are simple, basic, and to the point. You can be quite profound with just a few words. And if you expand that to 100 words, you can really say a lot. David Mainse’s blog is proof of that.
While Facebook allows longer posts, Twitter only allows users to use 140 characters. It’s a great opportunity to share a concise thought. That means we have to think, write, re-write and then post. That’s a great formula to a well thought-out post.
3. Blog Writing
When we write, we make our learning stick. #journaling #notetaking #writing Click To TweetBlog writing is very beneficial. If you’re consistent, it gives you the ability to solidify your thoughts and understanding and, at the same time, gain insight and feedback from others. Michael Hyatt has some great advice for those wanting to start their own blog in his post: “How to Start a Blog.”
If you don’t want to take on the commitment of a blog, consider submitting a ‘guest post’ to another blogger. Find a blogger with a similar topic as your post and ask if they would post your content as a guest. You get to use another blogger’s growing audience to post something you’d like to share.
If interested, I would love to help someone get started by posting a guest post on my blog. Send me a message (andrewholm@gmail.com); I’d love to hear from you!
4. Article and Magazine Writing
If you want to take your writing to the next level, start submitting articles to magazines. Editors are always looking for great content to put in their publications.
Our very own Good Tidings is more than willing to receive new content about our movement’s ministries and helpful insight.
One thing to keep in mind though, is the audience of the magazine you’re writing for. To get the most traction, you’ll need to envision having a conversation with your reader! This exercise also really helps in your ability to understand the content yourself.
Your turn…
Writing down our thoughts and then making them available for conversation is a great way to continue in the learning process. Challenge yourself and work towards one these four ideas! You’ll help your learning sick!
[reminder]How you do learn through writing?[/reminder]
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