How to Use Writing to Sharpen Your Thinking | Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss on how writing can sharpen and improve your thinking. | Take 10 seconds and sign up for my free "5-Bullet Friday" newsletter: go.tim.blog/5-bullet-friday-yt/​ Each Friday, you’ll get a short email from me with five things I've discovered that week, sending you off to your weekend with fun and useful things to ponder and try. 🙌
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About Tim Ferriss:
Tim Ferriss is one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Business People” and an early-stage tech investor/advisor in Uber, Facebook, Twitter, Shopify, Duolingo, Alibaba, and 50+ other companies. He is also the author of five #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers: The 4-Hour Workweek, The 4-Hour Body, The 4-Hour Chef, Tools of Titans and Tribe of Mentors. The Observer and other media have named him “the Oprah of audio” due to the influence of his podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, which has exceeded 400 million downloads and been selected for “Best of iTunes” three years running.
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[@timferriss]

Take 10 seconds and sign up for my free "5-Bullet Friday" newsletter: go.tim.blog/5-bullet-friday-yt/ Each Friday, you’ll get a short email from me with five things I've discovered that week, sending you off to your weekend with fun and useful things to ponder and try. 🙌

[@JeremieRykner]

Summary Key Points: - Write to freeze your thoughts and look at them in a different way whenever you want - lawyers are great at that as they are trained and skilled at looking and thinking about every word and its' meaning - writing is rewriting - 2 scrappy pages per day minimum of writing, brain vomit, worthless - then revise them in at least 3 rounds, first for yourself, second round of edits, for his fans who would love it, third round for the critics who will be twisting everything - ask people to highlights parts that are unclear - if something makes you wonder highlight it - if you doubt it take it out - indicate the 10% I should keep no matter what - if I had to cut 10% what would you cut - Writing systematically and revising systematically will help you in becoming a good and skilled writer - Writing is the most important practice

[@fernandotavares6809]

Thanks

[@JamesBond-sy8wj]

People like you are a real delight, thanks man.

[@ramezbishara6400]

Nailed - thanks man!

[@user-dl8fp7ff8o]

Thank you.

[@lumberjack9481]

Thank you

[@WatchMeBreathe]

"They can love it, they can hate it, but it should not confuse anybody." Great philosophy for anything creative/artistic

[@BharatTahiliani]

Hello. Thought i'll find like minded people here. recently made a short film called Words, applied a lot of techniques I've learnt from you and and seen massive benefits by applying them. especially Morning pages by Tim Ferris to ink down day to day problems - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnecfHqsicqYiqM | Would love to know what you think...

[@DAMfoxygrampa]

Jackson Pollock would like to know your location

[@actuitivevisrl1014]

There are many cases in literature where confusing the reader is a strong creative move. Never say never.

[@susannalarsson1525]

Great philosophy for an instruction manual, more like.

[@jackjack4412]

Lot's of dorky literature fans write for just that reason. They think confusing and outlandish are the same as unique and creative.

[@denisZsuave]

Writing has pulled me out of severe depression in the past. Listening to your podcast Tim saved my life. Thank you brother

[@MereMortalsBookReviews]

Great ton hear that Denis, keep the positivity up mate!

[@ak12d]

Stay on the path! proud of you

[@asadifififaroo]

Stay positive and well. Live well

[@jennyfox1398]

Awesome to hear people talking about what they did to get out of depression. Thanks for being inspiring!

[@chaosdweller]

It was helping me, until people started raiding my stash like a bunch of pirates everytime I turned my back, so now I just write on YT , and I have some control over it, although sometimes I don't because I don't have phone rights for some reason? but most of the time I can get out what I want , under my YT name, it's thereaputic. Of course there's still stuff I'd like to write about , or get out, without having eyes watching as I'm writing ( I can't do that anymore) but this is better than nothing, glad it helps u 2.

[@Mr.Morten]

Summary: - Ferris credits much of the success he has had to writing and by constantly practicing writing - Writing lets you analyze your thoughts and sharpen them to ensure your statements are not confusing - very difficult to do in your head - Write 2 pages a day, even if they are crappy, that way you set yourself up for improving the next day - Rewriting is key Rewriting: - When rewriting, first rewrite for yourself, then rewrite based on what your fans want, and lastly rewrite based on how critics will twist your words/sentences - Also have professional writers proof read your work - lawyers or people with legal experience are excellent substitutes - People can love or hate your work, but it should not be confusing - remove any confusing words or sentences - When rewriting be aware when your mind is wandering while reading - it can indicate the current part is too slow/boring - When in doubt take it out

[@damienlee54]

Writing is a severely, and sadly downplayed form of art to really discover just who exactly you are. Thank you, Tim.

[@AA-lq5pu]

Thank you. My husband is absolutely brilliant at everything, very intimidating, and now I can see what has been helping him. He constantly types out any realizations and thoughts he has. He says that it helped him gain so much clarity on life and where he is going in general. I will also be trying out these morning pages.

[@mschrisfrank2420]

I’ve been writing in my journal every night for the past few years and doing morning pages since the beginning of the year. It has definitely made me less anxious, helped me worked out problems, and focus my days.

[@takelifeeasy6557]

Great ! Keep up ! What do you write about in general in your journal ?

[@InnerVisionStudios]

Writing is truly a gift that we can all work on. Thanks for the video Tim.

[@qkjones]

If it's a gift then not everyone has it.

[@severinomanoelsantos5438]

Great from São Paulo brazil thankyou

[@rameshiyer1]

Just as a photograph captures a moment we cherish, writing captures our thoughts in the moment, helping gain clarity on our thoughts. Writing down our thoughts also helps take the load off our mind from things which may stress us out. Writing regularly helps us become more articulate n analytical, thereby helping in problem solving.

[@leostewart5257]

Look like you are a professional writer...

[@theunicorn9660]

This YT comment is no less than an essay...

[@MrOssyMoro]

I keep a diary since one year, I found one a year ago I wrote when I was 10 and it was absolut gold. Diaries get crazily precious with time, everything you write isn't worthless after 10 years. This reflect my mind cause I'm an historian...

[@bluedot7817]

That's good, I prefer sitting in my car a having a two way conversation with myself like a crazy person. Worked out a lot of shit that way.

[@nesdi6653]

Lololol yes

[@SamUSB5000]

so... I'm not the only one... sometimes in the basement.

[@bluedot7817]

@I Sanchez It's ironic but I learned how to be an active listener of myself by listening to others vent to me. Mainly it's about asking the right questions and that takes practice. A site called blahtherapy.com is where I perfected my listening. I'm also building an ai therapist bontaki.com for a similar purpose. 💙

[@haitiangal1361]

Same

[@Malabarismo]

That’s awesome Tim. Thanks for sharing. Using the CUB review is also great. Asking somebody to read and mark the parts of the text that are CONFUSE, UNBELIEVABLE or BORING. The reader don’t need a technical background for that.

[@TheSurfingCat]

I'm not a professional writer, but these tips really resonated with me and have given me some new ideas to try in my own writing. I would also include KZbin comments, Twitter replies and all other written communications in the "two crappy pages a day". Going back and re-reading your writing a day wiser and with other people's feedback, reactions and consequences presents a valuable lens through which to improve your writing and communication. I imagine looking back through your old videos and listening to previous podcasts has a similar effect. I think it's key to take the layered approach to editing as Tim suggests; be open to receiving feedback at every stage, from different sources and viewpoints, but balancing it fairly with your vision and intention for that writing.

[@lisa_uri]

I just love how you, Marie, and many of her other guests inspire us and make everything more manageable. Thank you so much for being you out loud for us!

[@sharonzaks341]

Thank you Tim. I've been practicing writing for long time, and it has proven for to be a tool which sharpens my thought into concrete ideas, action plans, revealed my past mistakes, and much more. It's like zooming in and out at the same time, so I notice details I haven't noticed before, and I also saw the bigger picture. Highly recommended.

[@stevelesliehikes]

I love how Tim Ferriss and Neil Strauss are good friends. Two amazing people, two amazing authors, two amazing mentors.

Thank you Tim. You are my best mentor and inspirational person on this quarentine. You dont have an idea how you help me so much. I am such alone at home, no cellphone, no TV, but now I have my blog like you and I am writting every single day and learning English with your podcasts. Thank you. I respect you and I love you so much!

[@UncleTony183]

Thanks Tim! I was writing the first couple months of the year and have gotten away from it the past few weeks. I've noticed my meditations haven't been as deep and there's been an underlying feeling of disconnect recently. Figuring it was the isolation or possibly because I've been watching the news again (gag), I keep on keeping on. In this morning's meditation, I could feel a push back toward my pen and paper. I love the serendipity that I wasn't looking for anything regarding this subject and you arrived on my screen. No accidents! Be well brother!!!

[@morne.bester]

Thanks a lot Tim! I’ve been meaning to start including writing into my daily practice and this makes it much easier to get started

[@gadohimself]

Jordan Peterson has explained this exact same thing a few years ago. Though he deliberately focuses on writing essays to improve critical thinking skills. He even provides awesome guidelines on writing good essays.

[@madmaagic]

Could please tell the title of the video and specifically guidelines video.

[@gadohimself]

@@madmaagic "Dr.Jordan B. Peterson's 10 step guide to clearer thinking through essay writing". There's an article on medium about it

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Yep, Jordan Peterson's lecures on the importance of writing and reading are great.

[@Nathan-ls4xt]

Thank you so much. I'm looking for a good video to send to students to emphasise the importance of writing, this is perfect!

[@ryanclark5198]

Love the video, Tim! I've been thoroughly enjoying each of these challenges and feel they've definitely made me a better human. We can all do more to connect with each other and understand ourselves at a more profound level. Let's all pledge to do this.

[@alexs555]

I can confirm this works. I've been writing for the past couple months. It improved my focus and thought clarity.

[@arjannoordermeer9666]

I love your content! It’s something unique and you give people another way of looking at things. Thank you!

[@viktorlarsen8990]

What a great message. I've been writing my thoughts in a document for about two months now, but I've never thought writing in that way. Great video!

[@josephjenkins3416]

Thanks, Tim! Stay sharp!

[@alenkaschuller8889]

Absolutely love this. Such great, actionable advice.

[@tussiterminator]

I write since a long time. Mostly poems, short-stories and rap lyrics. Also diary when I was young(er). I can confirm that it helps a lot. But noboby could shorten the essence of writing in that short time as you did, Tim. Thanks for that. Great video, great content! Love it!

[@thePlum]

Yes! I need to do more of this, thanks for this Tim!

[@kasiapranke1225]

Thank you, I needed this video so badly as I've been trying to get back to writing for some time now.

[@nata541]

Love this perspective! Absolutely agree. Thank you!

[@hannahbroad1986]

This is great value, easily actionable content, in a short video. Thank you Tim!

[@erictko85]

TIM - Fantastic, focused, clear advice! Thank you for this!

[@e.j.volkman7394]

The idea to have someone note when their attention wanders is a game-changer for me, I experience that in other writing but never think about that in terms of my own writing. Brilliant!

[@manuelfcasas3472]

Isaac Asimov used to say that writing was thinking with your fingers. I couldn't agree more. Written words are crystalized thoughts. And once you have you thoughts crystalized you can study them better, work with them better, and use them better.

[@bikegypsy268]

Love it! Thank you for the advice!

[@za012345678998765432]

I also like the the "ABCD" framework for when other people review your work (not mentioned in the video) - what's Awesome? - what's Boring? - what's Confusing? - what Didn't you believe?

[@arturasvaitkus2119]

I'm not writer. Jus time by time need to write notes, e-mails or give directions. But I found this video very useful and and now I know how and where I have to improve myself. Thank you for advice

[@liammorrison4284]

Did you guys know that Tim went to Princeton? You learn something new everyday

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Yes, I did know that.

[@shreekantgore5699]

Amongst all of the great and very practical advice Tim Ferriss has ever given, this one is the best.

[@maridias842]

I love it! It made total sense, I loved everything about you explanation! thank you Tim

[@aligillani7107]

He is very right. I am an aspiring novelist with an engineering degree and a job. Recently I am in a habit of writing important technical concepts and points to focus and really writing things down helps you understand things even more clearly and remove the mind clutter.

[@retreatliving]

This is great, especially the tip on teaching people to revise for you! I've started to journal every morning and it really puts me in a good headspace to start the day. I've also started to take more notes in meetings in an app like Evernote. Thanks for this video!

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Brilliant. I have been writing for years, yet this video has sharpened a lot of areas where I had serious problems. Thanks!

[@wanbelstap168]

Writing is an extension of your various emotions beyond just feeling them...writing helps keep your brain rewriting itself at every effort...that’s what I think anyway...thank you Tim...

[@amineunshakable1295]

Thank you 😊 Tim, always insightful advice much appreciated

[@AstewaiAmdeselassie]

Thank you Tim!

[@javisanchezs]

Tim, thank a lot for your words!

[@tomkwai]

Thank you, Tim, for everything

[@fitwithbrittany2706]

When in doubt, take it out. Love that.

[@dearlifebypankajsharma]

Thanks, Tim for making amazing videos. Very helpful

[@kimberlyroman]

I was thinking about this yesterday! And now you post this video. Thank you!

[@ProFilmmakers]

This video is such an amazing source of inspiration and creation. I am a professional filmmaker, working as full-time director and cinematographer and writing is one of the most essential skills for any content creator or visual storyteller. The process of writing happens to be quite a complex process, but I really like the way you broke down this process into simple steps. Thank you.

[@sandilakesglow]

Are you familiar with that book he mentioned, "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron? it's REALLY GREAT!!

[@taylorreeves3642]

Loving the video content you’re producing as of late, Tim

[@aryanalex5151]

I'm college student.....tried recently and it's working and it's extremely fascinating.....thank you...sir

[@aamirafzal3992]

this speaks volumes for sure. Great piece of advice from one of the best mentors of our time.

[@kartmaneric5392]

Thanks a lot, Tim. I've used writing as a way to introspect because once I have all my thoughts laid out on a screen, it's easier to look for patterns and areas where I need to improve. I do need to be more consistent with it though.

[@TheDoseOfCesar]

Thanks Tim! I especially loved the background music in this video, because it caught my attention more.

[@jeanrenetournecuillert2449]

thanks to this video I right 3 pages and i feel much more accomplished, i know that the path to my dreams is long but it gives pride and hope. to be able, to be honest, and detailed towards my self.

[@khanhlong89]

Very concise and clear points, love it.

[@laxnut1313]

this is fantastic, particularly the portion about giving proofreaders a a clear goal

[@lorettaloveland7755]

Excellent! Helped me see that my daily performance hinges on putting my morning thoughts on paper!

[@garkotionlineclasses7788]

Thank you so much for giving such beautiful things ....

[@ProductivePM]

Tim, thank you for the process . . . I plan to follow . . . All the best!

[@palmtronix1763]

Thanks Tim, this looks like a fabulous framework. I am Software Engineer by profession and wrote the data shredding app named SHREDDIT. I applied your framework in writing the User Manual of the app. I got hundred of thousands of happy software user with precise user manual. Great work Tim!

[@momcislin]

Thank you so very much for this. I thought I was strange when I sat before my computer with a pen and pad and wrote by hand for over an hour straight. I felt as if I was one with the writing and the computer would take that away from me. It actually felt like I was feeling what I was writing, and it was much of nothing special. I was putting on paper what I was feeling and the computer felt like it was an intrusion. Your video freed me from feeling as if something was 'wrong' with me. Thanks again.

[@monocyte2210]

So much GOLD for a six minute video. Stay safe tim!

[@EFChartley]

Brilliant knowledge, thank you for sharing

[@the-warriors-heart]

As an English teacher, this really hits home. Thanks for sharing!

[@roboreilly8151]

6 minutes packed with clear advice, great video Tim 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@edwinyanee]

so trueee!!! Thank you for sharing your thought

[@spacebella]

Thx for sharing this Tim! Writing 20k in April - so these tips were really great. Love the 3 levels of editing and asking proof readers specific Q's.

[@caedengoering]

I actually don’t struggle too terribly with the writing, is the editing that I struggle with. I really appreciate the fact that that’s what you chose to hone in on. Brilliant.

[@yasenbonev814]

Hey, Jordan Peterson's writing guide might be helpful with that. You can find it on his website (jordanbpeterson dot com) under the "Online exercises" tab. It is quite thorough and is actually strenuous to do in the beginning. I've personally just took some of the key points and suggestions and it has been very helpful. I still haven't followed it start to end, but I will probably try to use it when writing more serious stuff, not just for myself.

[@joshuamorehead2087]

Awesome tips, and timely in my life. Thank you Tim!

[@nikhillakhmani12]

I literally just finished watching Tim and Neil's interview from 2013. Must watch! It's an expanded version of this video.

[@smartwolf9045]

which neil?

[@red6972]

@@smartwolf9045 the one from 2013

[@nikhillakhmani12]

neil strauss

[@smartwolf9045]

@@nikhillakhmani12 Cool, thanks

[@Cpatel217]

link please?

[@justadudeintheworldman.120]

Liking these new videos Tim Tim Talk Talk. These along with your newsletter & podcasts and I’m good to go

[@peniscreis]

Thank you, Tim!

[@matildakay8398]

This process and explanation of why is super concrete and actionable, Thank You!! I really appreciate editing for fun, fans and critics. Fun!! And tres wise too :)

[@scrantjokester]

Tim you are a wonderful man.

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

Thank you for continuing your work and leading by example

[@joinentre]

This really helped me a ton! Thank you so much Tim!

[@baramthara]

Thank you for sharing your idea. I'll start morning page right now!

[@jezykowatv8993]

This is a great method, I read something about it in Tools of Titans 3 days ago and started doing this, then this video comes up. Thanks Tim

[@yayo9329]

Writing is amazing I personally love writing songs I'm a lyricist my self . writing can make someone very imaginative. It can make your imagination strong and can really make u think about stuff.

[@ashleylemmer8016]

Brilliant advice Tim, I enjoy writing and will definitely apply some of these points.

[@nevermind5865]

I need to watch this so many times!

[@Mayneza]

It's amazing how writing can translate into so many mind, life and self-improvement benefits! I loved the revisions and editing tactics! Very clever 🤓Thanks for sharing Tim!

[@bettoromanos8802]

never underestimate the power of writing 💪

[@Mayneza]

@@bettoromanos8802 don't you dare 😂

[@BharatTahiliani]

Hello. Thought i'll find like minded people here. recently made a short film called Words, applied a lot of techniques I've learnt from you and and seen massive benefits by applying them. Especially Morning pages by Tim Ferris to ink down day to day problems - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnecfHqsicqYiqM | Would love to know what you think...

[@thembekhumalo]

I love love love this. To sharpen the sword...

[@romashule]

Now that are really practical, concrete pieces of advice. Thank you so much Tim.

[@johna-s6757]

Great points. Thanks a million.

[@panagiotismavridis1922]

Great video Tim. Straight to the point. Help us focus with take-aways and summaries ;)

[@rebaladyw6314]

Such an excellent idea!! Thank you for this video!

[@Anonymous_110]

Excellent. Love you Tim

[@juliaalemao4425]

Tim, this came at a perfect time as I am currently working on writing my story! 😯 Thank you 💛 I am not (NOT) planning to publish this at all. I just found it to be a peaceful activity to do every morning since we are in quarantine. I thought it would be easy, but man it's hard. I didn't know I would have difficulties with articulating and positioning my sentences so the reader will understand. Like you mentioned, I have noticed it's improving my thinking as I keep writing. I will keep at it. Thank you so much! Love you too💛

[@MereMortalsBookReviews]

Great idea Julia!

[@juliaalemao4425]

@@MereMortalsBookReviews thank you❤

[@alexpiteo9825]

This was super helpful, encouraging and inspiring to listen to. This guy seemed to know his stuff

[@fidelio76]

Excited to start again.

[@shakenbutnotstirred3103]

The Artist's Way is a phenomenal book full of fantastic exercises. Excellent for nonwriters too. Thank you for the video.

[@TheCcruiz]

This is great! Thanks Tim!

[@markjosephaduana8180]

Tim, thank you.