Unlocking Your Potential Through Writing

Jordan Peterson on the Transformative Power of Writing

For several years, I have directed thousands of students and executives to this short video of Jordan Peterson’s advice on how to become successful. By writing. Students often write merely to earn grades, a misguided approach and possibly poor teaching, and it is quite alarming how few businesspeople write daily or even weekly. Worse, most fail to engage in the type of writing that clarifies thinking.

Peterson’s advice on the importance of writing is nothing short of a clarion call to those who aspire to intellectual rigor and personal mastery. He frames writing not merely as a mechanical act of placing words on paper but as a crucible for formalized thinking. Peterson’s guidance, to wrestle with hard problems, to read extensively, and to organize thoughts with meticulous care, is a 'must do' for anyone determined to transcend mediocrity.

At the heart of Peterson’s philosophy lies a profound respect for the written word as a tool for self-discovery and intellectual clarity. Writing, he argues, is the act of grappling with an idea, a process that demands the imposition of order upon a swirling mass of thoughts, emotions, and observations. This is not a task for the faint of heart. It requires the courage to confront the unknown, the discipline to sharpen one’s thoughts with precision, and the humility to revise, and then revise again.

Peterson’s insistence on tackling “hard problems” reflects his broader ethos, to pick a problem worth solving. In a world saturated with trivialities and distractions, he urges us to fix our gaze on something profound. The act of writing about such problems is not merely an academic or business exercise, it is a means of forging a robust intellectual identity. As he says: “Pick hard problems,” and “how do you do that? By reading!”

Equally central to Peterson’s message is the symbiotic relationship between reading and writing. To write well, one must first read widely and deeply. Reading serves as the intake valve for knowledge, providing the raw material that writing distills into clarity. Peterson’s advice to read and write daily is not a casual suggestion. It is through this disciplined engagement with text that one uncovers the contours of their own beliefs, an act as much about intellectual integrity as it is about self-revelation. It is also a way to build success as exemplified by Jeff Bezos and his insistence on short memo’s instead of drab powerpoint presentations:

“When you have to write your ideas out and complete sentences and complete paragraphs it forces a deeper clarity of thinking.” ~ Jeff Bezos

Peterson’s insights on writing extend beyond the individual. He positions effective communication as an indispensable skill for personal and professional success. The ability to articulate one’s goals and vision, he argues, is the cornerstone of leadership and influence. Writing is not a solitary act, it is a synaptic engagement that connects the writer to the world, enabling them to share their ideas and inspire others.

Perhaps most compelling is Peterson’s defense of the humanities. In an era where STEM fields often eclipse the arts in perceived value, he champions the study of literature, philosophy, and history as vital for developing clear thinking and articulate speech. The humanities, he suggests, are the training grounds for the mind, the forge in which one’s true voice is tempered. Writing, in this context, is both an art and a discipline, a means of cultivating not just intellect but also character.

Peterson’s exhortation to “find your true voice” through dedicated writing is both timeless and timely. It is a reminder that the pursuit of clarity and meaning is a deeply personal endeavor. To write well is to think well, and to think well is to live well.

In the end, Peterson’s message is as much about empowerment as it is about instruction. Writing, he suggests, is a way to wrest control from the chaos of existence and to carve out a space for order, clarity, and purpose. It is a practice that demands much but offers more. For those willing to heed his advice, the rewards are transformative, a sharper mind, a clearer voice, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

In a society increasingly enamored with brevity and superficiality, Peterson’s call to “read and write every day” stands as a defiant act of intellectual rebellion. It is a challenge to embrace complexity, to wrestle with ambiguity, and to emerge stronger, wiser, and more articulate. In his view, writing is not just a skill but a way of being, a disciplined, deliberate engagement with the world that shapes both the writer and their audience. And in this, perhaps, lies writings greatest power.

Stay curious

Colin

Watch Peterson on the benefits of writing here…

Image from the YouTube video