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Writer's pictureKayla Mowery

Life Lessons Learned From Technical Writing and Editing

Updated: May 14

Exploring the realm of operation manuals has turned out to be an unexpectedly enlightening exploration of life itself. The process of crafting and structuring step-by-step instructions, checklists, and guidelines goes well beyond professional benefits. Here's a look at how the skill of creating clear and user-friendly operation manuals, honed through diligent writing and editing, can serve as a useful guide for navigating life's diverse challenges and opportunities.


Noticing the Little Things in Writing and Editing

The creation of operation manuals requires collaboration, simplicity, and precision. Every detail must be correct so anyone can replicate business operations and standards. This process has also shown me the importance of appreciating life's little things, like being thankful for sunny days or a cooling breeze on a hot day. It's about celebrating both the big and small victories and cherishing the brief moments and conversations with others throughout the day. Through writing and editing, we learn to appreciate the fine details that make a big difference.


Making Sense of Chaos

Operation manuals or large projects in general can appear overwhelming. Learning to break these down into more manageable pieces has been a lifesaver outside of work. One such personal example has been planning my own wedding reception. There are so many things to do and so much to keep track of! But dissecting the process into smaller, manageable tasks made everything feel less intimidating and infinitely more doable. Writing and editing skills help us make sense of chaos by organizing thoughts and actions into coherent, actionable steps.



A professional woman with glasses and a bun hairstyle works on a laptop at a seaside cafe, taking notes in a notebook, with beach umbrellas and the ocean in the background.
Mastering the art of writing and editing.

The Gift of Feedback

In any field, getting feedback is a valuable tool—it's how we ensure the manuals are as accurate and user-friendly as possible. This openness to feedback has spilled over into personal growth, turning potentially defensive moments into an opportunity to collaborate and learn, resulting in an improved final outcome. Writing and editing not only involve crafting words but also refining them based on the perspectives of others, a skill that is equally useful in personal relationships and self-improvement.


Embracing the New

The world around us is always evolving, pushing the need to stay adaptable and open to change. This constant state of flux has made adjusting to life's inevitable changes a bit easier to handle. It's a reminder that change isn't just inevitable; it can also be exciting and lead to growth. The adaptability required in writing and editing—where revisions reflect new information or better ideas—is a powerful tool for personal resilience.


Communication is Everything

Above all, crafting operation manuals has allowed me to practice my ability to communicate clearly and effectively. This skill is invaluable, streamlining decision-making and enhancing every interaction. It's about making sure the message is received as intended, whether in a manual or in a conversation with a friend.


Who would have thought that creating operation manuals could teach so much about life? From the importance of detail and breaking down complexities to embracing feedback, change, and the power of clear communication. The journey from complicated procedures to straightforward manuals mirrors life's challenges—both requiring patience, clarity, and a willingness to adapt.


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