One of the most unforgettable rejections in my life happened when I was in high school.
Because I love reading so much, I thought writing was the best way to bring it to life.
So, as enthusiastic as I was, I applied to our school publication as a student writer.
And yup, you guessed it right; I wasn’t accepted.
But the thing is, I wasn’t only rejected once, but twice in a row.
I didn’t blame anyone, though.
Reflecting on it now, I realized that maybe I was just terrible at putting words on paper.
Fast forward to when I was in college, I got invited to become a writer for our university’s school paper.
And in my fourth year, I was awarded “The Most Promising Editorial Writer” by one of the country’s most prominent information agencies.
After finishing school, I had written dozens, if not hundreds, of articles, social media posts, scripts, YouTube and podcast show notes, emails, and ads.
(Here are some kind words I got from my writing.)
In March 2022, I was hired as a full-time copywriter at a 7-figure content marketing agency in Australia.
All these didn’t happen by accident or luck.
Throughout my career, I’ve been trying my best to hone my craft because I know I still have much to learn and improve.
Even though I’m a multipotentialite, writing has a special place in my heart.
If you asked me what I would do if money wasn’t an issue, my simple answer would be to write.
Writing isn’t only fulfilling but also intellectually challenging.
It’s also an evergreen skill that you can use to master yourself, master skills, and master your interests.
Talking to some people, I noticed that many of them want to improve their writing but struggle because writing isn’t something they do on a daily basis.
If you’re also one of the people I mentioned, follow me along as I share the non-writing activities that helped me become a better writer.
1. Go for a Long Walk
I’ve been walking for 60-90 minutes a day for almost two years now, and it is one of the best habits I’ve developed for physical and mental health.
Why?
It improves focus and concentration.
Writing is all about clear thinking, and walking helps clear your mind and improves your cognitive function.
By taking a break from your desk or normal routine, you can return to your work with renewed clarity and focus – very important if you want to become a writer.
It reduces stress and anxiety.
Being a part-time copywriter and part-time online business manager can be challenging, especially if I have tight deadlines.
I’m sure there were also times when you felt stressed with your studies or work.
Well, going for a long walk can be a form of stress relief, helping you calm your brain and reduce your anxiety.
When you have a relaxed and positive mindset, you can enhance your ability to think creatively and communicate effectively.
It encourages reflection and self-awareness.
Walking is my favourite way to spend time with myself and disconnect from endless distractions.
When I walk, I have the mental headspace to self-reflect and better understand myself, my values, my goals, and my personal experiences.
Because it provides me with massive self-awareness, I get the chance to collect some insights that I can use to write content for people that I want to attract.
2. Read (Like a Lot)
Reading has always been my favourite thing to do since I was a kid, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without it.
Here are 4 ways that reading good books and high-quality content can help you become a better writer.
It expands your vocabulary.
When you read, you expose yourself to new words and phrases that you can incorporate into your own writing.
A rich vocabulary allows you to express your ideas, insights, and experiences more precisely and vividly.
It provides inspiration and ideas.
Reading books, articles, and content of authors and writers can spark unique ideas and provide inspiration for your work.
You may encounter clever turns of phrase, novel ideas, or persuasive arguments that spark your creativity.
It improves your grammar and style.
The more you read well-written materials, the more you’ll internalize proper grammar rules and develop a sense of effective writing style.
Through reading, you’ll also learn how to write clear, compelling sentences and paragraphs.
It makes you more knowledgeable.
When you read different topics from different industries, you become more credible and authoritative in people’s eyes.
If you have an indepth-knowledge, you can easily build trust, connection, and confidence with others.
3. Listen to Long-Form Content
Listening to podcasts and audiobooks is one of the best habits I incorporate into my everyday routine.
I do it while taking a long walk or doing mundane tasks like washing my clothes.
Here are some ways that listening to long-form content like podcasts and audiobooks can help you become a better writer.
It improves your listening skills.
One of the most crucial requirements for becoming a copywriter is the ability to understand your audience’s needs, desires, and pain points.
If you’re not into copywriting but want to connect with other people’s perspectives and preferences, listening to long-term content can help you develop listening skills.
It broadens your knowledge and perspective.
Many podcasts and audiobooks cover various topics, from business and marketing to history, science, and personal development.
By exposing yourself to different subjects and viewpoints, you can expand your knowledge base and gain new insights that will help you become a better writer.
If you have a well-rounded comprehension of different topics, you can craft more compelling and relevant content for someone you want to connect with.
It provides inspiration and creativity.
Podcasts and audiobooks are rich sources of inspiration and creativity.
When you expose your brain to different styles, voices, and narratives, you can spark new ideas and approaches for your own writing and even non-writing projects.
On top of it, listening to engaging content can help you stay motivated, inspired, which is essential if you want to maintain a consistent creative flow.
Key Takeaways
- Incorporating long walks into your routine helps cultivate a healthier mindset, boost creativity, and enhance your writing skills. Combining physical activity, mental stimulation, and a changing environment provides inspiration and clarifies your need to produce a compelling copy.
- Reading makes you a better writer overall. It expands your skills and knowledge in ways that directly translate to a more powerful, persuasive writing ability.
- If you want to maximize the benefits of listening to long-form content, consider taking notes and reflecting on the story techniques and language used.
