Lesson 1 - Getting Started

What is Introspective Writing?

What you're about to learn here is the most powerful self development tool I've ever discovered. It's a process of writing and I'm deliberate about not calling it "journaling" because there are lots of ways to do journaling that give you none of the benefits of Introspective Writing.

My goal with this crash course is to give you the basic tools to get started and to help you turn this writing process into a self-directed activity. That's where the real power lies: it's not about doing a specific writing exercise, it's about learning how to write in your own way to solve your own problems.

How to Write

My go-to recommendation is that you use pen & paper to write. It's easy, cheap, doesn't require any special tools or software and doesn't have batteries that need to be charged.

For extra benefits, try writing in the evening, in a dimly lit room. That can help you get into a flow more easily.

You can also write via typing or write on an iPad or similar device, but make sure to remove distractions. Turn off notifications, put your phone out of reach, really give yourself a chance to get into it.

The one thing I don't recommend is writing on your phone. The phone is a highly charged device and even if you're very used to it, writing on the phone tends to be slow and clunky.

Get Into Flow

The most important factor is flow: you need to be able to just get into the writing process without thinking about it. That's why handwriting tends to be best.

Typing can be good, but only if you are a skilled touch typist. If your typing is slow or you have to look at the keys to type, it will disrupt your flow.

Also, a very important factor is that you are writing only for yourself. This is not for anyone else to see. It's not meant for public consumption. Correct grammar and spelling don't matter. Political correctness doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that you express yourself truthfully.

Exercise 1: Brain Dump

A brain dump is a specific way of writing that aims to just get stuff out of your head and onto the page. It may seem simple, but when you do it, you'll be surprised at how good it feels and how useful it can be.

Here's how to do it:

1. Start writing and keep writing down whatever is on your mind without stopping.
2. Start with whatever you are thinking right now, with what you are feeling right now and with anything that happened recently that is still bothering you.
3. Keep the pen moving - continuous writing without going back or stopping helps you tap into your subconscious.
4. Keep writing until you feel "empty" or until nothing new comes up.