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5 Handwritten Notes That Will Change Your Life (from Inc.com)
3/13/2014
By Scheherazade Q.
In our search for all things handwriting, a piece by Inc.com's Jeff Harden on five notes that have the power to bring changes to your life if you dare by part of the few that still take time to handwrite notes (aka: "the elite and powerful", according to Haden).
The power to be in the top tier is, literally, in your hands.
5 Powerful Notes to Write That Will Change Your LifeBy: Jeff HadenInc.com
Phone calls, even faux face-to-face on Skype, are great. But when you want to say something truly important, writing a note, especially a handwritten note, can be even more powerful.Why?Notes are unexpected. (Only the elite and the powerful write letters anymore.) Notes can be savored and studied. Notes can be saved. Notes can be pulled out and reread many times. The memories of phone calls can be fleeting. Notes--meaningful, sincere, genuine expressions of thanks, of praise, of feelings--can last lifetimes.Here are five notes you should write today:1. A thank-you note to someone who believed in you. 
Belief is a powerful thing. Some people have incredible stores of self-belief, but many of us are given confidence and self-assurance by others. Slowly but surely, through their encouragement and support, we develop a stronger sense of self. At some point, did someone see you struggling and give you hope. At some point, did someone see something in you that you didn't yet see in yourself. Is who you are today is a direct result of that person's faith in you? Belief, founded or unfounded, is incredibly powerful--and when someone else believes in us, it's unforgettable.Tell someone what a huge difference she or he made in your life. Reading your note may make a huge difference in that person's life--and in your relationship.
2. Write an apology to a person you let down.
We've all made mistakes. We've all done things we regret. Or we haven't done things--and we regret not acting. We've all failed to step up, or step in, or show support, or lend an ear or shoulder. Maybe you feel you've moved past it. Maybe you feel the other person has moved past it, too. Maybe you're dreaming. An apology not made is the elephant in a room. No matter how much time has passed, it still colors every subsequent interaction. Kill the elephant. Say you're sorry. Just don't follow your apology with a disclaimer. Don't say, "I'm sorry, but I was really mad because you…" or "I'm sorry I blew up at you, but I do think you were out of line, too." Don't say anything that in any way places even the smallest amount of blame on the other person. Say you're sorry, say why you're sorry, and take all the blame. No less. No more. Your handwriting will almost compel you to sincerity, but if that doesn’t happen, don’t send it. 3. Write a note of congratulations.
You don't even have to know the person. If you liked a book, contact the author with a hand written note (she or he will probably read it because handwriting is so special) and say, "I loved your book." If a local entrepreneur landed a major customer, send a note and say, "I realize you don't know me, but I was so impressed I just had to congratulate you!" Just make sure you don't follow your congratulations with some sort of request. (Unfortunately, that's the oldest trick in the networking book.) Bonus points if you explain the impact the person's accomplishment had on you. Maybe it motivated you. Maybe it inspired you. Maybe it changed your life in some small way. If so, say so. Then you're not only congratulating people for a job well done--you're letting them know they made an impact in someone else's life. You're letting them know they matter. They'll feel a little better about themselves--and you'll feel better about yourself, too.
4. Write an offer to help.
Many people hesitate to ask for help. They see admitting they need help as the same as admitting a weakness. In a hard-charging, Type-A world, who willingly shows vulnerability? But everyone--everyone--needs help. So offer to help. But don't just say, "Is there anything I can help you with?" That won't work: We're trained to say, "No, I'm fine. Be specific. Find something you can help with. Say, "I know you're working on that. Can I help you finish?" Or say, "I've always wanted to know more about this. How can I help you work on it?" A hand written note inspires intimacy and confidence. Try it, you’ll see.
5. Write an unexpected compliment.
Every day, people around you do good things. Most of those people don't work with or for you; in fact, most of them have no relationship with you, professional or personal. Compliment one of them for something unexpected. Write a note to a doctor who helped you through a rough time. Write a note to a college professor who made you see the world in a different way. Write a note to your town praising the snowplow crews. Write a note to someone who did something thoughtful not because it was expected but simply because they could. They will cherish such a note more than you may imagine, and the fact that is in your own hand will exponentially increase its significance. Your handwriting has immense power; try it and you may be amazed.Find Haden's original article here.
Want to know more about what your handwriting says about you?
Request your own handwriting analysis throughwww.gina-shop.com
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