Three Benefits of Developing a Writing Habit

Theodore “Ted” Catino is the co-founder of specialty financing company Security National Automotive Acceptance Corporation. When not working, Ted Catino enjoys writing. There are a number of benefits to writing daily, whether you write short stories, a journal, or something else. Here are three of the ways writing daily can benefit you:

1. Solidify and Refine Your Thoughts: Thoughts are fleeting. How many times have you thought of a great idea, only to later forget it? Writing regularly, a practice espoused by such successful businesspeople as Warren Buffett, affords you the opportunity to write down your great ideas and flesh them out.

2. Deal with Stress: Writing provides a healthy outlet for venting your daily frustrations and annoyances, helping you handle tough situations or hard times. One study found that recently fired engineers who regularly and expressively wrote were able to find another job faster than those who did not, suggesting their writing helped them deal with their job loss in a healthy manner.

3. Stretch Your Brain: Stretching before you exercise helps prepare your body for the oncoming physical activity. Similarly, writing before you take on a mentally tough task can get your mental gears spinning and provide a warmup for the difficulties ahead.