Last week, I argued that everyone can write and shared a few tips on building capacity. I recommended starting small, staying consistent, and aiming for clarity rather than perfection, as well as sharing your work as time-tested ways of honing your writing skills. But alongside building this rhythm, you must ask yourself why you write at all.

For many people, writing begins as a task; something they do because their job, a role they play, or a situation they encounter, foists it upon them. But truth be told, you have very slim chances of writing anything remarkable when you see it merely as a chore. Prospects for the best and most meaningful results occur when your writing is driven by intention. Your every word carries weight when a purpose propels you.

The truth is that everything you write should have a reason, a why. Someone once called it “the heartbeat”, without which your writing will lack life even if the words sound acceptable and appropriate.  Knowing the purpose, however, gives your writing direction and flow. When you are driven by a purpose, you’ll choose the right words, arrange your thoughts correctly, all of which makes connecting with your target readers easier.

For instance, your choice of words and structure while writing a memo will differ from that of a memoir, do you get it?  Writing with purpose is like seasoning in soup; it brings everything together, giving it flavour, and enhancing its meaning.

Why Do People Write?

So, let’s do a quick run-through of the various reasons you may want to write:

1. To inform: People write to share knowledge, teach a lesson, or communicate their discoveries. Professionals share insights from experiences or provide information about events they may have witnessed. Examples are meetings, conferences and journalistic reports.

2. To persuade: Sometimes people write to convince their readers to do or stop doing something. They write to motivate change or action one way or another.

3. To Inspire: Writing could also aim to inspire. Here, writers may reflect on their experiences to uplift, encourage, or comfort others who find themselves in similar circumstances. There is indeed nothing new under the sun, and inspirational writing brings this thought to life to comfort or lead other into positive action.

• To Remember: People also write to remember; this could be in the form of documents or records. Sometimes they do this to make sense of or preserve their experiences. Examples include journaling or memoir writing.

Each of these purposes gives writing a different tone, rhythm, and shape, and making the best of our efforts requires a clear definition of the objective. Whatever the purpose however, a common denominator for all forms of writing is simplicity and clarity of intention. Even when your writing combines several purposes, being aware of your “why” keeps your words grounded and your message coherent. You must not lose sight of that!

Writing with Purpose has Power.

When you define and follow your purpose, you’ll find that your words become more active and your sentences sharper. Your examples become more relevant, and your message hits home better. Defining your purpose also helps guard against writer’s block because once you know your why, the “what” and “how” flow naturally. Readers can always tell when a writer knows where they’re taking them to and when they’re just  trying to fill space. Purpose adds sincerity to your writing; it builds trust and connection.

So, before you begin your next piece, whether it’s a short or long email, a journal entry, a social media post, or a potential chapter in your dream book, ask yourself the following questions: 

1. Why am I writing this?

2. What do I want my readers to think, feel, or do afterwards?

Let your answers to these questions guide your tone, pace, and choice of words. You’ll be amazed at how much easier the process becomes and how much more easily you connect with your readers.

If you are thinking about taking your writing to the next level, shaping your reflections, experiences, or professional insights into a book, I’d be glad to walk that journey with you. Sometimes, finding your “why” is the first step toward finding your story. Let’s talk about it.

Have a purposeful week ahead.