#writing-encouragement
#writing-encouragement

3 Ways Thought Leaders Can Create Immediate Value For Their Audiences

Real influence requires a unique perspective; audiences seek actionable insights from credible thought leaders.

OMG science

Daily briefing: 14 things PhD students liked hearing from their supervisors

PhD supervisors are effectively guiding students, while anglerfish use bioluminescence for mating and chimpanzees face internal conflict.

3 hours ago

Bridging the Gap From Here to Your Future Self

Imagining a future self strengthens connections to values and enhances life choices by tracing continuity from past to future.

Do You See Yourself in a Story?

Comic books have evolved into a serious medium for exploring trauma and psychological depth, exemplified by works like Maus.

fromForbes

31 minutes ago

Workers Want Opportunities For Growth, Control More Than Pay Raises

Many workers prioritize well-being, control, growth, and belonging over salary increases.

4 hours ago

Do You Like the Person You See in the Mirror?

Body-image concerns are prevalent among women and girls, influenced by unrealistic beauty ideals in media, but can be improved through healing mental schemas.

Artificial intelligence

3 hours ago

Could AI write this column? In a world of slop-inion, I'm certifying myself human | Peter Lewis

AI misuse is transforming op-eds into low-quality content, raising ethical concerns about authorship and originality.

#higher-education

fromInside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs

8 hours ago

We Preach Free Inquiry-but Don't Teach That Way (opinion)

Higher education faces internal threats to free inquiry that must be addressed alongside external pressures from legislation and funding restrictions.

fromInside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs

Students Don't Read Enough? Don't Blame the Profs (opinion)

Students today are not less capable but are under different stresses that impact their reading habits and academic engagement.

fromInside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs

8 hours ago

We Preach Free Inquiry-but Don't Teach That Way (opinion)

Higher education faces internal threats to free inquiry that must be addressed alongside external pressures from legislation and funding restrictions.

fromInside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs

Students Don't Read Enough? Don't Blame the Profs (opinion)

Students today are not less capable but are under different stresses that impact their reading habits and academic engagement.

more#higher-education

6 hours ago

I'm 66 and the most important thing I have done for myself in the last decade is learn to sit in a room alone without immediately filling it with something - without the television, the phone, the task - just the room and the light and whatever arrives in the quiet, and what arrives, it turns out, is mostly myself, and mostly myself is more than enough company - Silicon Canals

Learning to sit in silence and embrace stillness can be transformative and essential for personal growth.

Film

fromABC7 Los Angeles

20 hours ago

Beyond breaking news: local reporter follows his passion for film making

Sean Au emphasizes the emotional connection movies create between characters and audiences, inspiring his journey as a filmmaker.

Renovation

fromIrish Independent

13 hours ago

Self-build story: 'It awakened something in me; I probably did it in a past life. But I've finally found a really creative career that I love'

A West Cork bungalow combines Irish and French design elements, focusing on light and texture to create a Mediterranean-inspired family home.

Social media marketing

Why Your Personal Brand Matters More Than Your Resume

Focus on one specific problem to define your personal brand and build a memorable reputation.

Education

Dyslexia doesn't disqualify leaders-it creates them

Dyslexia does not disqualify individuals from leadership; it can enhance their capabilities and contributions.

23 hours ago

Grief, Storytelling, and Identity

The concept album is a response to the brutal murder of Breedlove's father and stepmother at the hands of his stepbrother. The frame—the first song and the last—of the album is about the murders and their aftermath. But this is not a true crime record.

Music production

Relationships

21 hours ago

Are You Betraying Your Future Self?

Future self feels like a stranger, leading to overcommitment and lack of fulfillment in life choices.

Yoga

fromYoga Journal

fromOregon ArtsWatch * Arts & Culture News

Want to Drastically Improve Your Life? Start Telling the Truth.

A society built on lies cannot survive, as truth is essential for meaningful interactions and human dignity.

Special series: -Ism Storytellers, mixed race * Oregon ArtsWatch

In 2025, Dmae Lo Roberts embarked on a statewide storytelling experience focusing on personal stories from both artists and community members. These stories are a form of living oral history.

Portland

Exercise

Socialising, work, exercise: what makes a good day and is there a formula' for making it better?

Socializing for 30 minutes to two hours correlates with people reporting a good day, while excessive housework or TV does not.

Media industry

fromDigiday

'I'm playing the long game': Journalists are striking out alone and discovering the business is toughest beat of all

Independent journalism has potential but struggles with business fluency, as many journalists lack developed strategies for monetization.

Digital life

It feels as if I've made a new best friend': my experiment with AI journalling

AI journaling provides instant feedback that enhances the journaling experience and offers emotional support during challenging times.

Television

fromwww.businessinsider.com

Seven Documentaries for Fans of Fiction

Documentaries can effectively tell engaging stories, appealing even to those typically averse to the genre.

Startup companies

5 experienced side hustlers share their breakthrough advice for finding success

Side hustles require careful research and testing; success comes from understanding what works and focusing on sustainable ideas.

Psychology says the secret to a good retirement isn't wealth or health or even relationships - it's having at least one thing you're still in the middle of, still becoming, still learning how to do - Silicon Canals

Retirement fulfillment stems from ongoing pursuits and curiosity, not just financial security or traditional metrics of success.

Retirement

I always assumed retirement would bring peace - instead it feels like being handed the life I never had time to live, and the weight of that freedom is scarier than any deadline ever was - Silicon Canals

Retirement can lead to an identity crisis and feelings of purposelessness after decades of structured work life.

Retirement

Psychology says the secret to a good retirement isn't wealth or health or even relationships - it's having at least one thing you're still in the middle of, still becoming, still learning how to do - Silicon Canals

Retirement fulfillment stems from ongoing pursuits and curiosity, not just financial security or traditional metrics of success.

Retirement

I always assumed retirement would bring peace - instead it feels like being handed the life I never had time to live, and the weight of that freedom is scarier than any deadline ever was - Silicon Canals

Retirement can lead to an identity crisis and feelings of purposelessness after decades of structured work life.

Getting to know your colleagues' creative side - Harvard Gazette

Harvard's annual Staff Art Show showcases the artistic talents of 215 staff members across multiple campus locations.

LGBT

fromLGBTQ Nation

New report shows affirming adults are critical to the success of LGBTQ+ students - LGBTQ Nation

LGBTQ+ students face challenges but find community support, with positive outcomes linked to inclusive policies and supportive educators.

Why Would You Ask AI To Tell The Story Of Your Own Life? | Defector

Writing is a challenging profession with many aspiring writers and few opportunities for steady income.

Too hot to handle? Why it's time for straight male authors to rediscover sex

Straight male writers often avoid writing about sex, fearing it may seem exploitative or gratuitous, unlike their female counterparts.

fromDefector

Why Would You Ask AI To Tell The Story Of Your Own Life? | Defector

Writing is a challenging profession with many aspiring writers and few opportunities for steady income.

fromwww.businessinsider.com

Too hot to handle? Why it's time for straight male authors to rediscover sex

Straight male writers often avoid writing about sex, fearing it may seem exploitative or gratuitous, unlike their female counterparts.

Maryam Simpson - ideamensch

Maryam Simpson's career is defined by a blend of creativity, data-driven marketing, and a commitment to mentorship and continuous learning.

The Wellness Habits That Drive My Entrepreneurial Success

A workable daily routine enhances mental focus, while exercise, nutrition, and sleep are essential for peak performance in entrepreneurship.

Startup companies

I burned out at my VC job, so I opened a Pilates studio. I work more now but it feels good to not have to say 'yes.'

Anna Noelle Rinke transitioned from a tech career to founding a Pilates brand after experiencing burnout in venture capital.

Productivity

fromwww.businessinsider.com

The Wellness Habits That Drive My Entrepreneurial Success

A workable daily routine enhances mental focus, while exercise, nutrition, and sleep are essential for peak performance in entrepreneurship.

Startup companies

I burned out at my VC job, so I opened a Pilates studio. I work more now but it feels good to not have to say 'yes.'

Anna Noelle Rinke transitioned from a tech career to founding a Pilates brand after experiencing burnout in venture capital.

more#entrepreneurship

Independent films

fromFilmmaker Magazine

"Personal Storytelling, Experimentation, and a DIY Spirit": A Look Inside LAFM 2026

This year's festival showcases debut features emphasizing personal storytelling and experimentation from both international and local filmmakers.

Typography

fromPR Daily

Online Community Development

4 reasons your writing accidentally sounds AI-generated (and how to fix it) - PR Daily

AI-generated content is losing favor, prompting brands to label their content as human-generated to maintain trust and authenticity.

Why Humanizing Your Mission Is the Key to Better Engagement

Emotional connection in video content is essential for engagement and conversions.

Philosophy

6 hours ago

The Eighth Deadly Sin

The modern experience of disconnection and emptiness may represent a new form of sin, akin to the medieval concept of acedia.

fromItsnicethat

in 3 weeks

"It seems to be something we can't avoid"

The creative industry faces challenges for juniors due to budget cuts and AI replacing entry-level roles, threatening the future talent pipeline.

1 hour ago

Science Confirms How to Connect to Something Greater at Work

Spirituality in the workplace fosters connection and fulfillment, addressing disconnection and burnout among workers.

10 hours ago

On Memoir by Blake Morrison review lessons in life writing from a master

Life writing encompasses personal and collective experiences, requiring careful navigation of emotions and events.

Cancer

Engaging the head and the heart: why scientists turn to poetry

Poetry and medicine intertwine, enhancing the healing process and providing emotional support in palliative care.

Social media marketing

fromSlate Magazine

They Were Once Essential to So Many Writers. Now They're Quietly Vanishing Across the Internet.

A writer reflects on building connections in a writing community and the impact of AI on friendships and careers.

fromPoynter

Student journalists may produce a quarter million bylines a year. Here's what that looks like - Poynter

Student journalists are actively producing a significant volume of work, contributing to campus life and press freedom despite challenges faced by student media.

Writing as a Tool for Self-Understanding

Writing through deep emotions can enhance mental clarity and promote long-term health benefits.

The cruelest myth about self-discipline is that you have to feel ready - you don't, you never will, and the people who figured that out earlier simply have more years of evidence that the feeling eventually follows the action - Silicon Canals

Self-discipline begins with action, not feelings of readiness or motivation.

Relationships

Psychology says the loneliest part of getting older isn't being alone - it's realizing that some friendships were only meant for a season, and not everyone grows with you - Silicon Canals

Friendships often fade as adults prioritize responsibilities and seek deeper connections, leading to feelings of loneliness even among familiar faces.

On the Myths of Publishing: A Writer's Lament

Getting published does not guarantee a life-changing experience for most authors.

Digital life

I baulked at the idea of friction-maxxing'. But there's more to it than meets the eye | Gaby Hinsliff

Friction-maxxing encourages embracing effortful activities as a form of resistance against technology's convenience, promoting deeper meaning and joy in life.

5 Books That Will Help You Navigate Change and Stay Resilient at Work

Building resilient teams is essential in a rapidly changing labor market influenced by economic uncertainty and evolving workforce dynamics.

14 things our PhD supervisors got right and why it mattered

Good supervision positively impacts PhD students, providing support and fostering a collaborative environment.

Graphic design

fromItsnicethat

in 3 days

"You may need to step down in order to segue"

A degree is not necessary to become a designer; understanding fundamentals and tools is essential.

fromwww.cbc.ca

How the publishing industry is navigating a surge of AI-generated content | CBC News

John Degen's novel will feature a 'Human Authored' label, indicating it was written without AI assistance, amid industry concerns over AI use in writing.

You Are Not a Project to Be Improved

Self-improvement can lead to anxiety and disconnection from genuine human connection.

Education

fromPR Daily

Why writing skills matter more than AI for the next generation of communicators - PR Daily

Karen Freberg emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and clarity in writing for effective communication in a rapidly changing industry.

Philosophy

The Radical Act of Listening to Understand

Listening to understand fosters connection and reveals shared experiences, bridging divides in communication.

Psychology says people who accomplish more in their 60s than they ever did in their 40s aren't working harder - they've stopped spending energy on things that were never truly theirs to carry - Silicon Canals

Successful aging involves selective focus, where individuals prioritize meaningful activities and optimize their performance rather than increasing effort.

Relationships

fromBuffer: All-you-need social media toolkit for small businesses

The friend who always checks in on everyone but never tells anyone when they're struggling isn't hiding. They've simply never had the experience of someone noticing without being told, and after long enough, the idea of being spontaneously seen starts to feel like something that happens to other people. - Silicon Canals

Being the emotional caretaker in friendships can lead to neglecting one's own emotional needs and feelings.

Social media marketing

Yes, You Can Create Content: A Neurodivergent's Guide to Getting Started

Developing a personalized system for content creation can help neurodivergent individuals maintain consistency and overcome challenges associated with ADHD and autism.

7 hours ago

I'm 66 and I no longer spend any energy on people who make me feel like I have to earn my place in the room - not because I became cold, but because I finally understood that ease is not a low standard, it is the only standard that matters at this stage, and the people who meet it know who they are and so do I - Silicon Canals

Realizing the exhaustion of constantly proving oneself can lead to a liberating shift in perspective and relationships.

I'm 37 and I've already learned the hard way that self-worth takes time, healing isn't linear, and letting go is painful while you're learning to move forward - Silicon Canals

Carrying emotional weight from the past hinders self-worth; true self-worth is built internally, not through external validation.

Leaning into this simple quality will make you a better boss

Most people believe they are better drivers and leaders than average, showcasing a common bias known as illusory superiority.

Media industry

fromInc

Should You Hire a Writer or Use AI? Here's Why Journalists Still Win

Investing in journalists enhances content quality through expertise, relationships, and engaging storytelling, which AI cannot replicate despite its efficiency.

fromTiny Buddha

From People-Pleasing to Self-Trust: How to Come Back to Yourself - Tiny Buddha

Indecision and people-pleasing stem from past experiences of conflict and self-doubt, leading to a loss of personal identity.

Cancer

fromIndependent

'Writing allows me to face what is happening now. And what is happening now is that I'm dying'

Gabriel Rosenstock faces mortality with peace, relying on poetry and philosophy for support during his battle with terminal cancer.

fromSlate Magazine

1 hour ago

Evidence of Me Hitting Rock Bottom Is Publicly Available. Now I Have to Talk About It in Job Interviews.

Addressing past mistakes in job interviews requires honesty and framing personal growth positively.

Ghostwriting Is Good, Actually

Ghostwriting, when done by humans, can provide valuable support to authors and help share unique perspectives.

People who always respond with "fine" when asked how they are aren't lying - they learned, at some specific point in their life, that the true answer produced outcomes that were worse than the silence, and fine has been the silence ever since - Silicon Canals

Personal experiences with anxiety and emotional responses reveal deeper truths about coping mechanisms and the challenges of authentic communication.

2 hours ago

Why So Many Young Adults Can't Launch-and How to Help

Action precedes confidence; overthinking hinders young adults from launching their careers.

Nobody warns you that when you stop caring what everyone thinks, you also discover which of your relationships were held together entirely by your willingness to be whoever the other person needed - Silicon Canals

Stopping people-pleasing leads to a necessary audit of relationships, revealing which ones are genuine and which are based on expectations.

How to Perform to Your Potential When You Lack Confidence

Building a mental skills toolbox helps maintain commitment and performance despite doubts and nerves.

I realized recently that I've spent years becoming whoever the room needed me to be - and now I honestly can't tell the difference between what I actually enjoy and what I've just been pretending to for so long it stuck - Silicon Canals

Constantly adapting to others' expectations can lead to losing touch with one's authentic self and preferences.

fromMindful

Being Courageous About Change: Mindful Guidance on the Proactive Pivot

Proactive pivoting involves making changes before they are necessary, requiring courage and strength to overcome resistance to change.

Coping With the Up-and-Down Arc of a Prolific Writer's Life

Merrill Joan Gerber's latest book reflects her writing journey from the 1960s to the present, showcasing selected stories from her extensive career.

Why you're just one event away from quitting your job

Unexpected jolts can lead to impulsive job resignations, but deliberate responses can facilitate smarter career decisions.

Why Mentoring Matters

Mentorship is a vital relationship that benefits both mentors and mentees, enhancing personal and professional growth.

Digital life

3 weeks ago

Is AI killing the human voice in writing?

Predictive language technologies challenge individual expression by influencing how writers generate and complete their thoughts.

What to Do When You're Feeling Stuck

Feeling stuck often arises from facing major life decisions and the tension between comfort and personal growth.

How to Capture the Moments That Matter in Life and Business

Direct observation of a team's work reveals challenges and dynamics beyond performance metrics, enhancing leadership and relationships.

fromHarvard Business Review

How to Convince Your Boss They Need a Coach

Leaders receive less candid feedback as they rise, leading to potential blind spots and insulation from reality.

How to Capture the Moments That Matter in Life and Business

Direct observation of a team's work reveals challenges and dynamics beyond performance metrics, enhancing leadership and relationships.

fromHarvard Business Review

How to Convince Your Boss They Need a Coach

Leaders receive less candid feedback as they rise, leading to potential blind spots and insulation from reality.

Most people who overcame years of laziness didn't find motivation - they found a mirror they couldn't look away from - Silicon Canals

Self-awareness is crucial for real change; many people misperceive their own behaviors and motivations.

Don't Waste Your Grit When It's Time to Quit

Early career commitment without sufficient exploration can lead to suboptimal choices and weaker matches.

Fiction Is Indispensable to Life's Journey

Fiction is essential for emotional connection, learning, and social cognition, allowing us to escape reality and engage deeply with narratives.

The middle years of my life and career: balancing two experiments at once

Life events like parenthood and career progression often coincide, leading to challenges that require recalibrating priorities and expectations.

Why Creative People Struggle to Commit to One Path

Multipotentiality reflects cognitive flexibility and creativity, challenging the notion that pursuing multiple interests indicates a lack of focus.

fromItsnicethat

in 2 weeks

"Your current set-up may not be aligning with where you want to be"

Transitioning into a new industry can be challenging, requiring time to adjust and align with personal values for creative motivation.

fromeLearning Industry

How To Empower Employees: 9 Effective Strategies For Managers

Employee empowerment enhances trust, initiative, and innovation, leading to greater organizational success and employee satisfaction.

fromAbove the Law

Thinking About Hiring A Coach? Read This Before You Waste Your Money - Above the Law

The right mindset is crucial for benefiting from coaching; not all lawyers are suited for it.

4 weeks ago

The Shift That Happens When You Write a Non-Fiction Book

Writing a book transforms tacit knowledge into explicit frameworks, forcing experts to articulate intuitions they've developed through experience into clear, communicable ideas.

The Writer's Secret Weapon

Swimming and physical exertion enhance creative thinking by muffling sensory input, boosting neurotransmitters, and enabling deeper, more original idea generation.

fromInside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs

1 month ago

Writing Accountability Groups Bring Many Benefits (opinion)

Writing accountability groups are low-cost, high-impact interventions that address structural barriers to faculty scholarly writing through protected time, peer accountability, and mentorship.

Do writing retreats actually work? Reader, I finished my novel in style

Retreats provide concentrated time, restorative environments, purposeful walking, and peer support that accelerate progress on creative projects and relieve blocks.

Why Stepping Away Makes Writing Come Alive Again

Long pauses and distance renew memory and imagination, allowing ideas to reorganize and prevent repetitive production while rhythm, not constant output, sustains creative development.

Writing as Sanctuary: Carrying Grief Word by Word

Grief can be sudden or gradual, profoundly affecting cognition and sleep, and expressive practices like journaling and art therapy can help process and lighten grief.

fromMedium

How to start writing (like it's easy)

A profoundly immersive book can deeply alter readers and provoke self-doubt about one's own creative abilities.

6 Ways to Make Creativity a Non-Negotiable Part of Your Life

Protect regular, low-pressure time for wandering and openness to sustain creativity amid stress, multitasking, and competing life demands.