Why Your Writing Matters — and How It Can Transform Lives

You have a story to tell, and you have a voice. Make it heard and the world may be a better place for it.

I was listening to a recent interview of Barack Obama, for the publication of his new book, “A Promised Land”.

In it, he described how having the potential of “touching somebody’s life” is such an incredible position to be in. And a life-enhancing experience.

Writing — your writing — can do just that. It can touch and transform people’s lives.

It may not be so obvious to you now, in particular if you are in the process of starting out and building an audience. However, for me as a beginner writer, that prospect alone is enough to keep me going.

Why? Because I know that eventually, this craft can have a real and lasting impact. It might take time — months, years, decades — but it will.

In the words of Robin Williams, in an interview granted to Terry Mansfield:

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”

So, how can you leave a mark on the world with your writing?

Words have power

And you, as a writer, can wield that power to bring about positive change.

Sounds a little fluffy, or too ambitious? Well, let’s have a look at just a few examples.

• Frederick Douglass

Escaping slavery, Frederick Douglass was a key figure of the abolitionist movement in the 19th century. Thanks to his writings, he was able to travel the world and raise awareness of equality and social issues wherever he went.

Through autobiographical accounts recounting his life and travels, he was able to influence decision-makers of the time and put forward a case for racial quality and justice.

• Mary Shelly and Mary Wollstonecraft

The author of “Frankenstein”, Mary Shelley, was an important public figure who sparked the imagination of countless readers around the world.

Her own daughter, Mary Wollstonecraft, was a pioneering figure for feminism in the UK. In her most known work, “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”, she argued for women having access to the same educational and life opportunities as men.

And for women to be regarded as life companions, rather than objects of possession. This text became a cornerstone which propelled forward the movement around women's’ equal rights, and left a profound mark on society.

• Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau influenced modern-day society in countless ways. For instance, his observations on peace and nature in his masterpiece “Walden” inspired naturalists around the globe. His abolitionist stance also played a key role, through his ardent lectures and writings, against the ‘Fugitive Slave Law’ of the time.

His writings served as inspirations for others to take positive action, igniting movements and creating future leaders who then changed the face of society forever.

“Civil Disobedience” set the scene for peaceful resistance against immoral authority figures and institutions, as a form of political thought. The book had a great influence on both Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in their own pursuits. And the rest is history.

Granted, these are ‘extreme’ examples, and I’m not suggesting this is the kind of impact you as a 21st-century writer should be aiming for.

However, the point is the impact that words can have, is immense. Unlimited, in fact.

Stories of personal transformation

People are moved by words, and stories. As Yuval Noah Harari explains in his books, stories are incredibly powerful.

As a human race, we rely on the narratives we tell ourselves to shape our personal identities and world views.

This goes both ways — stories can spark enlightened thoughts and actions, as well as their exact opposite.

The very words people use in their daily lives have a direct correlation on the quality of their mindset, which flows through to their actions and the end results that follow.

Taken over the course of an entire lifetime, words have a tremendous influence. “Change your words, change your life” — and for you as a writer and content creator, this means your own words have the same power on your readers.

If your audience digest and act on your encouraging and inspiring content — you have the potential to change their lives for the better.

By sharing your own struggles and insecurities, you are providing a helping hand to those who feel lost.

By expressing purposefulness in your own life through your writing, you are giving hope to those who may lack a sense of direction in their own lives.

Compounded over time, the impact you can have as a writer will be multiplied and touch more and more lives. Another reason not to stop!

Disseminating knowledge to the world

Not only transformational, your work can help the spread of information to more people around the globe.

No longer is knowledge guarded behind high walls, and you have the opportunity to share whatever knowledge you have with the world. Your work can educate readers without border or any restrictions.

Whether from your own personal experience, from reading others’ and being the conduit to bring useful insights to people — the value you can add is clear.

Knowledge is power (when acted upon), and the access to this knowledge largely happens through words, stories and content sharing.

And you can be a part of that.

Make your content count — don’t hide it, share it with the world. And make a difference. Starting today.

I hope you found some inspiration in the above as a writer, content creator or curator. There are so many ways you can have an impact through your work!