Inspirational Quotations

Politeness is the slow poison of collaboration.
—Edwin H. Land (American Inventor)

An enlightened person raises the level of the consciousness of the entire community.
—Phyllis Theroux (American Journalist, Author)

Costs do not exist to be calculated. Costs exist to be reduced.
—Taiichi Ohno (Japanese Manufacturing Engineer)

The key to the behavior of subjects lies not in pent-up anger or aggression, but in the nature of their relationship to authority. They have given themselves to the authority; they see themselves as instruments for the execution of his wishes; once so defined, they are unable to break free.
—Stanley Milgram (American Psychologist)

There is no one envious enough to harm another that is not first a torment to himself.
—Augustine of Hippo (Roman-African Christian Philosopher)

Labor to keep alive that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience.
—George Washington (American Head of State)

I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.
—J. B. Priestley (British Novelist, Playwright, Essayist)

Jealousy is not at all low, but it catches us humbled and bowed down, at first sight. For it is the only suffering that we endure without ever becoming used to it.
—Colette (French Novelist, Performer)

Hard to put things right. You don’t often get that chance. Sometimes all you can do is not get caught.
—Donna Tartt (American Novelist)

Stealing isn’t so easy, often it’s hard work, otherwise we’d all be doing it.
—Elfriede Jelinek (Austrian Author)

Rashness is the faithful but unhappy parent of misfortune.
—Thomas Fuller (English Cleric, Historian)

You should look into a mirror: if you look fine, do fine things; if you look ugly, correct by nobility the defect of your nature.
—Bias of Priene (Greek Orator)

When you visualized a man or woman carefully, you could always begin to feel pity—that was a quality God’s image carried with it. When you saw the lines at the corners of the eyes, the shape of the mouth, how the hair grew, it was impossible to hate. Hate was just a failure of imagination.
—Graham Greene (British Novelist)

We all know that employees are the backbone of any organization, and their health and happiness should be a top priority. However, over the last few years, high stress and many other factors have worsened employees’ issues. Therefore, it is no wonder addiction has become a growing problem that affects people from all walks of life, including employees. That’s why it’s so crucial for employers to take this issue seriously and do what they can to help. In this article, you’ll learn how to support employees struggling with addiction and create an environment in which anyone can thrive.

Understanding Addiction

Addiction can be a complicated and overwhelming experience for anyone, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a personal failure. Furthermore, addiction is not a choice but a disease that affects the brain. Additionally, since it’s a complex condition, it can have multiple causes, including stress, mental health conditions, genetics, and more. Like how a sweet tooth can lead to unhealthy eating habits, addiction can take hold and feel impossible to break. However, with understanding and support, recovery is possible.

The impact of addiction on an individual’s life

It’s important to understand the full extent of the impact addiction can have on someone’s life in order to provide the right support and resources. Unfortunately, the effects of addiction can ripple out and touch every aspect of someone’s life. According to the World Health Organization, individuals with substance use disorders are more likely to have poor health, suffer from depression, and experience financial difficulties. For employees who are struggling with addiction, it can also impact their work performance and lead to absenteeism. This not only affects the individual but may affect the entire work environment.

How addiction affects the brain

Addiction is a complex condition that affects the brain in a number of different ways. When someone uses drugs or alcohol, it can lead to changes in the brain’s reward system, making it harder for them to experience pleasure without the substance. Over time, this can lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior, even in the face of negative consequences. By understanding how addiction affects the brain, we can better understand the challenges employees who are struggling with addiction are facing and provide them with the support and resources they need for recovery.

The stigma surrounding addiction

One of the biggest challenges faced by employees struggling with addiction is the stigma surrounding it. As previously mentioned, more often than not, people consider addiction to be a personal weakness rather than a complex disease someone has to combat. And when someone is faced with the shame and judgment of others, it can be hard for them to reach out for help. This is why it’s so crucial for employers to create a supportive work environment that is free from stigma and judgment.

The importance of seeking help

If you’re an employee or an employer who is struggling with addiction, know that seeking help is a brave and important step. It’s a step towards a healthier, happier life, and it’s a step that no one should take alone. Yes, recovering from addiction is a difficult journey, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding one. At Archstone Behavioral Health, addiction recovery experts recommend seeking help as soon as possible, as early intervention can lead to a more positive outcome. So don’t wait; reach out for help or help someone start their own journey toward recovery.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch out For

The first step towards recovery is acknowledging there is a problem. However, in terms of someone else struggling with addiction, the first step is knowing which signs and symptoms to look out for. Some common signs include a decline in work performance, changes in mood and behavior, and increased absenteeism. Be mindful of employees who seem to be withdrawing from others or who seem to be in a constant state of anxiety, as these are also signs of addiction.

Other signs and symptoms include:

• Financial difficulties
• Neglect of personal appearance or hygiene
• Frequently using sick days
• Legal trouble or brushes with the law
• Physical symptoms, such as tremors or changes in speech

And, if you’re concerned about an employee, reach out to them and offer your support.

Treatment and Resources

Supporting employees who are struggling with addiction is not just about being a good employer; it’s about helping someone in need. With Florida being one of the most stressed states in the U.S., it’s no surprise that many people turn to drugs like cocaine to cope. However, it’s crucial to opt for expert assistance no matter which state or addiction someone is facing. 

Luckily, there are plenty of different options in terms of treatments and resources:

• Inpatient Rehabilitation: A 24/7 live-in treatment center where patients receive round-the-clock care and support from medical professionals and therapists.
• Outpatient Treatment: Allows patients to continue working and living at home while receiving treatment. Benefits include flexible scheduling and the ability to maintain normal daily routines.
• Behavioral Therapy: A type of therapy that focuses on changing negative patterns of behavior and thought related to addiction.
• 12-Step Programs: A set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): The use of FDA-approved medications in combination with therapy to treat addiction.

Maintaining a Drug-Free Workplace

Maintaining a drug-free workplace is crucial for the well-being and productivity of all employees. In order to support employees who are struggling with addiction, it is important to create an environment that promotes sobriety and recovery.

Here are some ways to maintain a drug-free workplace:

• Implement a comprehensive drug-free workplace policy that outlines expectations and consequences for drug use. This policy should include education and resources for employees who are struggling with addiction.
• Offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides confidential counseling, support, and referrals to substance abuse treatment. This can be an effective way to provide support to employees who are struggling with addiction.
• Address stress in the workplace, as it can be a significant factor in the development of addiction. Providing stress management resources and promoting work-life balance can help reduce stress levels and prevent employees from turning to drugs.
• Foster a supportive and accepting work environment. This can be done by promoting open communication, creating opportunities for employee support, and providing training for managers on how to respond to addiction and recovery in the workplace. By making the workplace more accepting, employees are more likely to feel comfortable seeking help and support.

Support Employees Struggling with Addiction

Helping employees who are fighting addiction is an essential part of maintaining a supportive and productive company. By providing resources and a friendly environment, employers may help staff members get the treatment they need to gereturno work healthy and ready to contribute. Employers who actively help their staff members become better can not only improve their well-being but also raise morale and productivity in the workplace. Just keep in mind that addiction is a challenging issue that necessitates sympathy and understanding.

For couples, many challenging issues can arise over time in their relationship. While some challenges can be resolved through individual efforts, many problems require the work of both parties to find a resolution. Enrolling in counseling is one way to help couples understand and overcome these issues together.

Why Couples Enroll in Counselling

Couples Therapy is necessary mainly because we are talking about two lives that come from different life histories and were used to living in their own way but started to live together.

With the decision to share the same roof and wake up every day next to the same person, there are changes in lifestyle that we are not always prepared to deal with.

It is not uncommon for couples to complain about the choice to have children, the way one responds to the other, or even the extent to which external factors are interfering in the couple’s relationship. This includes leisure activities, a circle of friends, and the use of technology, among others.

By seeking help from a specialist, the couple is taking a big step toward improving the relationship. This is fundamental for the beginning of the therapeutic process and must be recognized by the therapist.

Unfortunately, the divorce rate has increased over the years, and data proves this increase. A lack of patience, which leads to a lack of dialogue, is among the great motivators of fights and arguments.

It is common for a couple to exchange offenses, disrespect each other, or not have a dialogue when they think this is normal.

Reasons to Choose Couple’s Therapy

A healthy relationship is built by respecting the differences of the other. And when that no longer exists, the relationship becomes vulnerable to the smallest problems.

As we mentioned earlier, there can be many reasons a couple seeks help from a professional. Each couple, in their intimacy, knows their questions, insecurities, doubts, and internal conflicts. And couples often don’t feel comfortable addressing these issues with each other.

Therefore, professionals can provide the couple with specific techniques to help them figure out what’s wrong.

Some of the main highlighted reasons that lead couples to seek Couples Therapy are:

• Balancing individual differences within the relationship

• Improve communication

• Learn to share obligations within the relationship

• Identify and outline common goals and objectives

• End competition and insecurities

• Develop strategies to strengthen unity and maintain the commitment

• Improve sex life

• Overcoming a betrayal

• Improve the general quality of the relationship, obtaining marital satisfaction

• Understand the needs of the other

• More and more in psychology offices, the demand for couples’ therapy has increased

Therapy sessions Are Needed to Strengthen a Couple’s Relationship!

No two relationships are exactly alike, and counseling allows partners to learn more about each other and how to interact better with one another. This therapy session will help couples identify where they need improvement, allowing them to address those issues before they become too serious or damaging.

In Individual therapy, the patient’s life story is considered, while in couples therapy, one must look at the history of the relationship. It is important to remember each couple is unique, so the interventions that are planned are compatible with the partners and their lifestyles.

What Problems Can Joint Therapy Solve?

Counseling sessions aren’t just beneficial for addressing existing problems; they can also prevent potential ones from occurring.

With the guidance of a licensed therapist such as Empathi, couples can learn how to build a strong foundation for their relationship by developing trust and understanding. Through this process, partners can identify potential pitfalls in their relationship and put strategies into place that will help avoid such situations from arising again.

Counseling sessions also give couples an opportunity to communicate openly about topics that might otherwise be difficult or uncomfortable for them to discuss on their own. This includes financial planning, parenting styles, and expectations for growth within the relationship to come up with mutually beneficial solutions for all involved parties.

Of course, there is no way to force someone to go to therapy. But what to do then?

One of the things that can help in these cases is that the other person is open to hearing and understanding more about the subject before starting the treatment itself. Read about qualified professionals who work with couples, understand the benefits therapy will bring to the relationship, and, most importantly, understand how important this is for anyone wanting to start therapy.

A great way to improve your marital relationship if your partner refuses to engage in couples therapy is through Individual Therapy.

Another primary reason why couples seek counseling is that they want to create healthier habits within their relationship. This could include learning how to communicate better with each other, resolving conflicts more effectively, or even creating more meaningful connections between them. Being guided by a counselor means couples can learn important skills to help ensure their relationship remains strong long-term.

Don’t Let Your Conflicts Take Over

Seeing a counselor can provide many benefits for couples looking for ways to strengthen their bond and navigate any difficulties they may face together. Not only does joint therapy give partners an opportunity to discuss shared issues, but it also allows them to establish healthy habits in their relationship and prevent future issues.

If you’re in a relationship and suspect your partner of cheating, you’re not alone. According to one study, approximately 25% of male partners and 15% of female partners cheat in their committed relationships.

Cheating can jeopardize the trust, connection, and closeness you share with your partner. If you think your partner may be unfaithful, here are 10 signs of a cheating partner in a relationship. You can find even more signs on the blog.

10 Guaranteed Signs of Cheating

No one wants to think that their partner is cheating on them, but sadly, it happens to many people. If you’re suspicious and need to know how to tell if your partner is cheating, these 10 guaranteed signs of cheating can help determine the truth of the situation.

1. Changes in communication: If your partner suddenly starts using their phone more often or takes extra steps to hide the content of their conversations and texts, it could be a sign they’re hiding something.
2. Changes in appearance: Does your partner seem to have a renewed interest in physical appearance? Are they buying new clothes and showing off a fresh look even when no special event is coming up? Pay attention to these changes.
3. Decreased intimacy: Has physical affection decreased significantly between you two? Do you find that sex is now scarce or non-existent? This can be one of the tell-tale signs your partner is cheating.
4. Unusual schedule changes: Is your partner working late more frequently than before without a clear explanation? Or have they started traveling often without you? Changes in routine can be a sign of cheating.
5. You’re being kept in the dark: Has your partner suddenly taken to hiding their phone or laptop from you? Are they shutting down any conversations that involve details about their day-to-day activities? If so, this could indicate something more is going on.
6. They’re defensive and secretive: Does your partner seem overly defensive and quickly become guarded when you ask simple questions about their whereabouts? Do they seem determined to keep things private even if it hurts your relationship? This could be one of the signs your spouse is cheating.
7. Avoiding family and friends: Has your significant other suddenly stopped hanging out with your friends and family? Have they started to avoid events or outings involving both of you? If so, this could signify they’re running away from something in the relationship.
8. They’re emotionally distant: Has your partner recently become emotionally disconnected from you? Have even simple conversations about day-to-day matters become dull and superficial? This could be a sign that their attention is now devoted elsewhere.
9. You can’t trust them: Do you find yourself constantly questioning how to tell if your partner is cheating when it comes to their behavior away from you? Or do they seem secretive when asked about their activities while apart from each other? These are red flags that something may be off.
10. They neglect you: By now, it should be clear that a partner who is cheating will show signs of psychological withdrawal from the relationship. They likely won’t spend as much quality time with you and could make excuses to avoid spending time together altogether.

How to Confront Signs Your Partner Is Cheating

No one wants to discover that their partner has been cheating, but how do you know if they are? It can be difficult to spot the signs of unfaithfulness, but there are steps on how do you know if your partner is cheating you can take

First, you must collect any evidence or insights you may have related to your partner’s behavior. Don’t jump to conclusions until you have documented enough evidence.

Pro-Tip: Hiring a private investigator can be an effective way to know for sure if your partner is cheating. However, if you don’t want to go down that route, there are other methods you can use. Spy apps are a great place to start, as they can reveal hidden conversations or activities on their phone.

Second, confront your partner about the guaranteed signs of cheating and how their behavior has made you feel; be sure to maintain a level voice throughout the conversation.

Lastly, if the accusations prove true, it can be difficult emotionally; allow yourself time to process and ultimately move on from the situation as best as possible.

Conclusion

Cheating is an emotionally charged topic and can be hard to acknowledge; however, if you’re suspicious of your partner’s behavior, it is essential to take the necessary steps to investigate further.

Look for tell-tale signs of a cheating partner in a relationship, such as changes in their routines or behaviors and use spy apps or confront them directly. Even if the accusations prove true, remember to give yourself time to process the situation and move on from it.

Ultimately, trust your gut and notice the clues that may indicate a cheating partner. If something doesn’t feel right in your relationship, chances are there is a reason for it – trust yourself!

There is no week nor day nor hour when tyranny may not enter upon this country, if the people lose their roughness and spirit of defiance.
—Walt Whitman (American Poet)

I used to be afraid I wouldn’t make enough money; now I’m afraid I won’t make enough difference.
—Bob Goff (American Philanthropist)

A high-school teacher, after all, is a person deputized by the rest of us to explain to the young what sort of world they are living in, and to defend, if possible, the part their elders are playing in it.
—Emile Capouya (American Essayist, Critic, Publisher)

If we were to ask the brain how it would like to be treated, whether shaken at a random, irregular rate, or in a rhythmic, harmonious fashion, we can be sure that the brain, or for that matter the whole body, would prefer the latter.
—Itzhak Bentov (Israeli American Scientist)

When we are no longer able to change a situation … we are challenged to change ourselves.
—Viktor Frankl (Austrian Psychiatrist)

Men simply copied the realities of their hearts when they built prisons.
—Richard Wright (American Novelist, Short-Story Writer)

In marriage, a man becomes slack and selfish, and undergoes a fatty degeneration of his moral being.
—Robert Louis Stevenson (Scottish Novelist)

Your mind is like a muscle. The more you use it, the more it grows.
—Carol Dweck (American Psychologist)

Consistency is a virtue for trains: what we want from a philosopher is insights, whether he comes by them consistently or not.
—Stephen Vizinczey (Hungarian-Canadian Writer)

Everywhere that freedom stirs, let tyrants fear.
—George W. Bush (American Head of State)

A man who makes trouble for others is also making trouble for himself.
—Chinua Achebe (Nigerian Novelist, Poet)

Curiosity is the engine of civilization. If I were to elaborate it would be to say read, read, read, and don’t forget to talk to people, really talk, listening with attention and having conversations, on whatever topic, that are an exchange of thoughts. Keep the reading broad, beyond just the professional. This helps to develop one’s sense of perspective in all matters.
—Peter Cundill (Canadian Investor)

Nothing beats a successful onboarding process when it comes to making an excellent first impression. Before the epidemic, many businesses got by with a bare-bones onboarding procedure consisting of a few forms and an employee manual. The more generous employers among us probably bought their new employees lunch on their first day. During the “Great Resignation,” a mediocre onboarding procedure isn’t cut it. Many businesses are having trouble recruiting enough workers to meet even their most basic service demands; therefore, those who have succeeded in this endeavor should do everything in their power to hold on to their recruits.

Reducing employee turnover, increasing employee engagement, and increasing productivity can be traced back to a strong onboarding program. In 2022, even small and medium-sized firms will realize what the largest, most successful corporations have understood for years: excellent onboarding is crucial to the success of your organization. Let us discuss first – What is onboarding in HR?

The phrase “onboarding” comes from human resources and refers to the steps taken to integrate a new employee into an existing team or department. Onboarding is a process that helps new hires become acquainted with their organization and their role within it. The procedure ensures their smooth incorporation into the company as a whole. From the initial job offer to any necessary team training, there are several steps involved in the onboarding procedure. Onboarding can be for a few weeks or a year, but the most efficient programs run for at least a few months. Employees should finish the onboarding process feeling competent and secure in their abilities.

Below are the 5Cs of Onboarding

Clarity

• Inform your prospective employer of your intentions for the internship or new position and how they fit into the larger context of the organization.
• Communicate your preferences and expectations for various modes of contact, including email, SMS, Slack, in-person check-in meetings, etc.
• Discuss their top five priorities for the position, and work together to develop a strategy for achieving those objectives, with progress reports provided every two weeks.

Connection

It aids new employees in developing positive relationships with their supervisors and coworkers. Inspiring a group to feel like they belong to something bigger than themselves has been proven time and time again to increase both individual and group performance. When new employees feel welcome and accepted, they gain self-assurance, start working together effectively, and start thinking creatively. The importance of connection is highlighted among the 5Cs of onboarding. It gives new employees confidence that they’ve made the right choice. Several steps can be taken on day one to begin building solid connections. Sending welcome videos, emails, or gifts helps new employees feel at home.

Culture

It’s been stated that the first impression is the lasting one. Engagingly introduce your company’s culture to pique the interest of potential employees. Create a handbook outlining the company’s goals and policies to share with employees. A culture’s values make it attractive to new generations of workers. You should highlight the company’s goals and rewards to make a good impression as a leader. To have dedicated employees, your company’s culture must first attract them. Therefore, it is essential to introduce the organization’s goals engagingly during the hiring and onboarding processes.

Check-in

Keep in close contact with your new employee. They may have concerns, and it’s nice that upper management cares enough to ask. After the new employee has completed their training and orientation, check in to ensure they have a firm grasp on their responsibilities, aren’t overwhelmed, and can contribute meaningfully to their team through open and frequent communication. Planned Check-In actions should involve the following:

• A check-in to see how things are going with the employee and whether or not they have grasped their responsibilities and are progressing toward their goals.
• A mental health assessment to ensure your new hire is not feeling too overwhelmed by their responsibilities.
• Team Status Report — I’m curious about their collaboration with other employees. Do they have somebody they can’t seem to get past?

Compliance

Compliance refers to having a fundamental grasp of the rules and regulations governing your business. This is the first step in a new hire’s journey with your company and is often discussed during a formal orientation with HR. Although some may view compliance training as the “boring HR part of orientation,” it is an important topic that must be addressed during the onboarding process. Organizational norms, safety measures, confidentiality needs, harassment avoidance strategies, and internal processes are all crucial factors to consider.

Conclusion

Reduce employee turnover, increase employee engagement, and raise productivity by incorporating the 5Cs of onboarding into your onboarding program. This solution covers all the essentials of a regular onboarding plan. Each component of the 5Cs is vital in helping new hires feel at home in their new environment. Human resources departments can only guarantee a successful onboarding experience or immediate productivity from new hires with effective employee training software in addition to the 5Cs.

Never expect justice from a vain man; if he has the negative magnanimity not to disparage you, it is the most you can expect.
—Washington Allston (American Artist, Writer)

There is a beauty in discovery. There is mathematics in music, a kinship of science and poetry in the description of nature, and exquisite form in a molecule. Attempts to place different disciplines in different camps are revealed as artificial in the face of the unity of knowledge. All literate men are sustained by the philosopher, the historian, the political analyst, the economist, the scientist, the poet, the artisan and the musician.
—Glenn T. Seaborg (American Chemist)

The dichotomy between selfishness and unselfishness disappears altogether in healthy people because in principle every act is both selfish and unselfish.
—Abraham Maslow (American Psychologist)

Being rich is having money; being wealthy is having time.
—Margaret Wander Bonanno (American Writer)

Often we have no time for our friends but all the time in the world for our enemies.
—Leon Uris (American Writer)

Nobody’s interested in sweetness and light.
—Hedda Hopper (American Actress, Gossip Columnist)

Since I and other beings both,
In wanting happiness, are equal and alike,
What difference is there to distinguish us,
That I should strive to have my bliss alone?
—Shantideva (Indian Buddhist Scholar)

If you have some respect for people as they are, you can be more effective in helping them to become better than they are.
—John W. Gardner (American Activist)

It is the greatest shot of adrenaline to be doing what you’ve wanted to do so badly. You almost feel like you could fly without the plane.
—Charles Lindbergh (American Aviator, Conservationist)

There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.
—Ella Wheeler Wilcox (American Poet, Journalist)

If our senses conveyed the whole truth to us, we would see the Earth as rivers and glaciers of electrons, each speck of dust as a rolling mass of light.
—Paramahansa Yogananda (Indian Hindu Mystic)

Let us live for the beauty of our own reality.
—Tim Robbins (American Actor, Director)

Why do grandparents and grandchildren get along so well? They have the same enemy—the mother.
—Claudette Colbert (American Actress)

The things we truly love stay with us always, locked in our hearts as long as life remains.
—Josephine Baker (American Dancer, Campaigner)

You find that you have peace of mind and can enjoy yourself, get more sleep, and rest when you know that it was a one hundred percent effort that you gave—win or lose.
—Gordie Howe (Canadian Hockey Player)

Sometimes, the most profound of awakenings come wrapped in the quietest of moments.
—Stephen Crane (American Writer)

Of course we all have our limits, but how can you possibly find your boundaries unless you explore as far and as wide as you possibly can? I would rather fail in an attempt at something new and uncharted than safely succeed in a repeat of something I have done.
—A. E. Hotchner (American Author, Playwright)

In your area of responsibility, if you do not control events, you are at the mercy of events.
—Harland Svare (American Football Player, Coach)

Pain and fear and hunger are effects of causes which can be foreseen and known: but sorrow is a debt which someone else makes for us.
—Freya Stark (British Explorer, Writer)

Revenge may not be a particularly high consciousness-oriented activity.
—Carrie Fisher (American Actress)

Things do not change, we change.
—Kalidasa (Indian Sanskrit Poet, Dramatist)

Less shame a greater fault would palliate.
—Dante Alighieri (Italian Poet, Philosopher)

They can cut all the flowers, but they cannot stop the coming of spring.
—Pablo Neruda (Chilean Poet)

The notion of religious liberty is that you cannot be forced to participate in a religious ceremony that’s not of your choosing simply because you’re out-voted
—Ira Glass (American Radio Personality)

The greatest inspiration is often born of desperation.
—Comer Cottrell (American Entrepreneur)

I never doubted my ability, but when you hear all your life you’re inferior, it makes you wonder if the other guys have something you’ve never seen before. If they do, I’m still looking for it.
—Hank Aaron (American Baseball Player)

Writing enables you to articulate your ideas to targeted audiences to provoke discussions or respond to communication. It demonstrates one’s ability to persuade the reader and clearly communicate a message. Hence, writing skills imply one’s capacity to present ideas in a written piece, including the ability to use correct grammar, diction, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling. Writing skills also include storytelling capabilities and information presentation.

Follow These Steps to Sharpen Your Writing Skills

Read more

Reading is always the best way to hone writing skills. Writing demonstrates an understanding of a topic and the ability to articulate oneself. These skills develop through reading as one acquires knowledge of the issues they wish to write about. The best route for knowledge acquisition is text, which creates a point of reference and a data source. Great writers are habitual readers with a thirst for information. Besides, reading helps one conceptualize ideas better and visualize the structures of a written piece. By reading, the writer learns various ways they can present their ideas and develop alternative arguments for different topics. Reading also enhances one’s diction and ability to construct sentences. As a result, the habitual reader becomes an excellent writer, amassing the knowledge and skills needed to present their arguments.

Study the basic writing principles

Although reading helps one understand various forms and techniques used by professional writers, basic writing rules are not easily identifiable in written pieces. One must demonstrate some commitment by researching writing principles. In this case, different writing forms have specific laws governing idea presentation, word choices, sentence structure, and style. For instance, academic writing requires one to use formal language, while creative writing is more attractive with some level of informality. Writing principles are the basic rules that govern presentation in different contexts. The basic paper structure for academic writing includes an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. It must also contain the thesis statement as the last sentence in the introduction. Paragraphs begin with a topic sentence and end with a conclusive one linking the idea to the next section. However, these rules may not apply in creative writing.

Always start with an outline

A good writer understands style and structure. When presenting complex topics, it’s advisable to separate different ideas into standalone paragraphs for clarity. However, longer papers require subheadings to distinguish the discussions supporting or opposing the main argument. Thus, the best writers start with an outline specifying the content included in the final piece. An outline is a preemptive structure of the paper, highlighting the main ideas and organizing the work with significant breaks using subheadings and topic sentences. You can use the grading rubric to develop an outline when working on a school assignment. The instructions usually contain specific requirements to be included in the final paper. These details act as a guide for structure and content.

Develop a thesis

Writing is the ability to conceptualize an idea and break it down into a simplified message for the desired audience. A thesis statement is the writer’s argument about the said topic. It gives the reader a hint about the document and the direction the discussion will take. Before you start writing, choose a side and identify the details needed to support or defend it. Although the introduction paragraph should be the last part to write, a thesis statement should be the first. You may refine and amend the argument based on the evidence and information you find during the writing process. Developing a thesis narrows your focus and demonstrates clarity of thought.

Proofread and edit

You can also improve the quality of your written document through proofreading and editing. Despite having mastered the basic elements of writing, typos are inevitable, especially when typing. Proofreading helps you eliminate grammatical errors and misplaced punctuation marks. You can also identify complex sentences and wording, making corrective adjustments as you reread your text.

Seek outside opinion

Although self-editing can be effective, you may not have the time or the knowledge to identify and eliminate mistakes. Professional paper writing services have teams of trained and experienced writers that can do the work affordably and fast. For instance, the following essay writing service CustomWritings boasts years of experience in academic and content writing, research, and review services. With a team of professional writers, expert editors, and customer support agents, the company completes thousands of cheap papers daily for USA, Canadian, and European students. It provides personalized essays written from scratch and edited to guarantee quality and consistency.

Tips for Sharpening Writing Skills

Master basic English

If you are writing in English, you must demonstrate your understanding of the simplest language skills. You can do this through mastery of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. A good reading piece should have minimal grammatical errors with correct spelling and punctuation. Typos are off-putting, especially to knowledgeable readers, and may confuse the non-native audience. Understand the concepts of flow and style to help you improve your presentation. Use the following tips to sharpen your writing skills in English.

Enhance your diction and avoid jargon

Word choice is a critical determinant of flow and meaning. Enhance your diction through reading and verification. Make your thesaurus a close friend to expand your word choice and avoid repetitive wording for clarity. Using jargon and colloquial words limits your audience and minimizes your reach. Use simple English with stylistic devices to improve understanding and connect with the reader. Sharpening your writing skills implies enhancing your ability to articulate your message efficiently. Learning new vocabulary increases the ways you can present an idea without repetition.

Understand the context

One of the best ways to sharpen your writing skills is through research. While reading improves your knowledge, research enhances your ability to conceptualize different contexts. A good writer should demonstrate an understanding of the setting within which their writing is situated by using the correct language and background information. Context helps you eliminate conflict and anticipate the reader’s questions.

Anticipate the reader’s perception

Every piece of writing has a specific audience to whom the message is intended. The reader’s ability to anticipate their questions and interests determines their ability to articulate the message accurately. For instance, academic writing skills imply the ability to tackle a scholarly issue with supportive evidence and clear working. An academic writer must respond to preemptive queries for experts in the field, including researchers and elite academic experts. One must research the topic to gather sufficient evidence and answer anticipatory questions from the intended audience. A college essay must address possible questions from the professor. Similarly, a creative paper should anticipate questions from the readers and address them within the storyline.