How Writing is the Most Powerful Tool for Business & Life Optimization

May 8, 2020 ​- 5 Comments

​Of all the tools & technologies I've used, the one I get the most value out of (by far) is writing. 

If you've been through my focus & action productivity course, you know that I use different writing practices to problem solve, to optimize my workflow and to take care of my mental wellbeing. 

​In today's video, Ryan and I share 3 ways in which we use writing to become better entrepreneurs as well as better people.

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​Links & Resources

  • ​Besides pen & paper, there are countless writing apps available. I've tested through many of them in search of the ideal one and my current favorite is Notion (which we'll have more content on, coming soon).
  • If you're an avid reader, but don't want to hoard paper books, then an e-ink digital reader is a good alternative. If you want such an e-ink device that can also be used for writing and note-taking in a paper-like fashion, the Onyx Boox Note is the best device I know of.
  • Interested in another example of how to use writing to become more productive? Learn my "deliberate procrastination" exercise here.

​We hope you've enjoyed this video! If you have any questions or feedback, leave a comment below.

About ​Shane Melaugh

I'm the founder of ActiveGrowth and Thrive Themes and over the last years, I've created and marketed a dozen different software, information and SaaS products. Apart from running my business, I spend most of my time reading, learning, developing skills and helping other people develop theirs. On ActiveGrowth, I want to help you become a better entrepreneur and product creator. Read more about my story here.


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  • Hank Robinson says:

    Have you switched to Notion over Google Docs? Was that how you showed your notes? I have been using it some in the past month.
    Would you recommend in your course Focus and Action to replace Google Docs with Notion when appropriate?

    • I’ve been moving more things to Notion lately, yes. You can definitely substitute it for Google Docs in the course. I will have more on this in the future. As we develop our systems in Notion, I’ll share what we do and how we do it.

  • Karen McCamy says:

    Great 2-person perspective in the video! Loved hearing from Ryan on his own use-cases! :D

    Being a ‘f & a’ student, I’ve already commented in several places (in the past) how much writing has helped me…in all the ways you both have discussed! <3

    Most importantly, your endorsement of writing legitimized it (for me) as a valid & serious business ‘tool!’

    I’d like to make a point about the use of digital writing products (especially for readers who may just be considering implementing this): I think it’s crucial to have a single location (ie, app) for this — as you have pointed out. But in addition to this, it’s essential to test both search capabilities and ‘tagging’ features…

    I have used Evernote for years (initially just for their “web clipper” archival feature when working on my degree); point being, I’m invested — **heavily** — in that platform. Their search function was the weak point, IMO, but it has matured immensely in recent iterations… Point being: it’s important to vet *at least* these 2 features before committing to a specific platform! :-o

    I am curious about Notion & will give it a look! :-)

    Also looking forward to hearing your take on it!

    Thanks again! <3

    • That’s great advice regarding search and tagging functions! Indeed, when you do a lot of writing, the notes become a huge mess if there’s no good organizational structure in place.

  • Your material is always so relevant, makes our lives so much easier : ) thanks again.

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