When was the last time you slowed down to ponder, process, and probe the challenges you are facing as a leader?
When was the last time you used pen and paper to physically force your hand and mind to slow?
Handwriting is becoming an ancient art form, but I'm convinced it's the newest (oldest?) skill to save your brain, your business, and your ability to lead well. (Bonus points if you do it in cursive... also becoming a lost art. That's why I'm making my kids do cursive handwriting homeschool workbooks...they aren't homeschooled, lol!)
Handwriting is a FREE, scientifically proven method that improves your intelligence and creativity. Why would you not do it?
The problem is: typing puts your brain in execution mode — gotta tap those fingers super-fast! You correct yourself as you go instead of letting your thoughts linger, ponder, challenge. (Why did you type it that way to begin with? Maybe there is something else to consider before immediately hitting backspace with your finger... and your brain.)
This matters because: the best leaders don't come by their eureka moments at the speed of light. Instead, their best work is slow, like a good stew simmering all day so the flavors meld together in the best of ways. Don't take my word alone on this. I've done some research:
According to the National Institute of Health, the physical motor movement of forming letters with a pen engages complex sensorimotor brain pathways that finger tapping (AKA typing... love the ridiculousness that the phrase ‘finger tapping’ portrays) simply cannot trigger. They also found that forming letters by hand creates stronger memory traces, improving info retention, conceptual understanding, and pattern recognition. As if that weren't enough, it promotes higher-level executive functioning and creative problem-solving.
Fred Mitchell, founder & CEO of Notability (a software that combines handwriting with sketching and audio recordings for note-taking), shares that handwriting encourages messy conceptualization. Typing naturally defaults to linear, structured formatting, whereas a physical blank piece of paper allows for unformed, non-linear thoughts without the impulse to prematurely edit. (Did you know there is such a thing as premature editing? There is, and it’s your enemy.)
Martijn Dorissen of Onphase (a finance/operations platform), points out the (kinda obvious) fact that, with handwriting, there are less distracting notifications popping up, less frequent context-switching, and less multitasking (which means less executive burnout). It also helps organize scattered thoughts and gain perspective externally before sharing with others.
So here’s the micro-lesson: you gotta give handwriting a try. You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. Handwriting acts as a cognitive filter that provides greater depth, clarity, and intentionality. It fosters intentional presence, deeper self-reflection, and greater emotional intelligence. It wires your brain to retain critical context, spot underlying patterns, and synthesize complex ideas far more than digital finger tapping. (Seriously loving this phrase!)
Put it into practice: Take out a piece of paper and a pen (go to Staples if you have to! I'll wait.) and hand write your thoughts about a problem you are facing right now. Set a timer for 10 minutes (or even 5 if you can't spare 10) and thought-vomit onto the page until the timer goes off. Just write what comes — doesn't matter if it seems silly or far-fetched. No one has to see it but you. Then, read it and see what jumps out.
P.S. Here’s evidence that I live what I preach: this issue was handwritten before being typed.
How’d it go? Did your hand cramp? If you haven't handwritten in a while, it can hurt... but I hope you found it worth it. Did you uncover any revelations? I'd love to hear how it went—reply and let me know, or schedule a virtual chat with me and let's nerd out face-to-face!
Here’s to much more handwriting productivity in the future,
P.S. Random Things I’m Loving This Week
(These are not sponsors or affiliate links… just things I genuinely enjoy and want to share with you!)
New Words — Merriam Webster just added 1,400 new words to its dictionary and it’s fascinating to watch language evolve before our eyes.
Cowboy Chili Mac — This recipe is everything you enjoy about chili and pasta smooshed together into one dish. I added fire roasted tomatoes and kidney beans to put the yee-haw in it!
Public Speaking Practice — I'm officially stepping into a volunteer role of Substitute Teaching Leader with Bible Study Fellowship where I’ll lead, shepherd, train, and teach hundreds of women from across Central Ohio alongside an incredible team. I’m nervous and excited about sharpening my speaking skills.
Baby Tree Frogs — Apparently my home is a gray tree frog paradise, because I’ve found close to a dozen of them over the past week in my yard. So tiny and cute.
