🧠The Smartest People I Know Are Obsessed With a Skill Many Were Told Is Useless
People often hear that some skills are a waste of time. But the truth is different. The skill many called "useless" is now one of the most important. This article explains in simple words why smart people care about this skill and how you can use it too.
For years, parents, teachers, and friends said: "Don’t waste time on stories, poems, or writing—study something practical instead." They thought creative writing and storytelling had no value in the job market. Yet today, the opposite is true. The skill of telling stories and writing clearly helps people lead, sell, teach, and inspire.
What is the skill we were told was useless?
It is storytelling and creative writing. This includes short essays, simple stories, clear emails, and even writing for social media. It is not just "writing novels"—it is the habit of putting ideas in words that other people understand and feel.
Why did people call it useless?
In the past, many jobs valued technical knowledge: math, engineering, or medicine. Schools and families pushed students to learn these subjects. Creative work was seen as hobby material. People said: "You won’t earn enough money from that."
But the world changed. The internet, social media, and online business made words powerful. Stories now sell products, build brands, and start movements. The value shifted from only "hard skills" to also include soft skills like communication.
Why smart people love storytelling
The smartest people I know—founders, teachers, scientists, and creators—pay close attention to storytelling. Here are the main reasons:
- It makes your ideas clear. Smart people often have big ideas. If they cannot explain them simply, others won’t follow.
- It builds trust. A good story connects with feelings. People trust those who show honesty and care in their words.
- It helps you sell and lead. Leaders use stories to explain vision. Marketers use stories to show why a product matters.
- It improves thinking. Writing forces you to organize thoughts. That discipline makes thinking sharper.
- It is useful everywhere. From emails to presentations, storytelling helps in many daily tasks.
Small stories, big effects
You do not need to write a novel to use this skill. Small stories work well. For example:
- In a job interview, a short story about a problem you solved makes you memorable.
- In a product page, a customer story helps others imagine using the product.
- In teaching, a brief real-life example helps students understand an idea faster.
History shows the power of storytelling
Since ancient times, humans teach by telling stories. The oldest lessons and laws were shared this way. Great writers and thinkers used stories to change how people acted. Even today, the best speeches and ads are stories in simple words.
Modern examples
Here are clear examples from today’s world:
- Brands: Companies like Apple do not just sell phones. They sell a story about design and freedom. People buy into the story.
- Creators: YouTube and TikTok stars grow their audiences by telling short, real stories every day.
- Leaders: Politicians and activists use simple stories to move large groups of people.
How to start practicing this skill
You can begin today with small steps. You do not need to study for years. Here are easy steps to follow:
- Write 10 minutes every day. It can be a short story from your day or a note about an idea.
- Tell one story a week. Share a short experience with friends or online. Watch how people react.
- Read good writers. Simple authors teach simple habits. Read short essays and note how they explain things.
- Learn copywriting basics. This is the art of short persuasive writing. It helps if you want to sell or lead.
- Practice telling true stories. Real life is full of scenes that teach lessons. Use them.
Simple tools to help you
Use these easy tools for practice:
- Keep a small notebook or a notes app for ideas.
- Start a free blog or a social account to publish short stories.
- Record short voice notes if writing feels hard. Later, turn them into written bits.
Real people, real change
Let’s look at three short stories of real people who used this skill:
1. The teacher who wrote simply. A school teacher started a short weekly story about science in life. Students loved the stories and grades improved. The teacher gained confidence and later wrote a book.
2. The small shop owner. A shop owner wrote short posts about how his products were made. Customers loved the honesty and sales grew. The shop began shipping to other cities.
3. The engineer who learned to tell stories. An engineer could build great products but could not explain them. After he practiced simple writing, investors and new partners understood his ideas. His company grew faster.
Why this skill matters for the future
Technology changes fast. Today it is AI, tomorrow something else. But the need to explain ideas clearly will always stay. Writing and storytelling are skills that travel with you through any career or life change.
Not just for work—also for life
Writing helps inside and outside work. It helps you think, remember, and share your feelings. Many people use writing as a way to heal. Others use it to build friendships or start movements.
Common fears and how to beat them
Many people don't try because of fear. Here are three common worries and simple answers:
- "I’m not smart enough." Everyone starts small. Simple words are more powerful than fancy language.
- "I don’t have time." Ten minutes a day is enough to begin. Small steps add up.
- "People will judge me." Most readers are kind. Share with one friend first. You will grow brave slowly.
How to use storytelling at work
Storytelling helps in many work tasks:
- Write clear emails that get quick answers.
- Make presentations that people remember.
- Create social posts that attract followers.
- Use customer stories to make better marketing.
Practice exercise: 5-minute story
Try this: set a timer for five minutes. Write a short story about a small problem you solved this week. Keep it simple: start, middle, end. Share it with a friend. See what they say.
How to keep improving
Growth comes from routine. Do these over time:
- Read one short essay per week.
- Write a short post twice a week.
- Get feedback from real readers.
Final thoughts
The skill many called useless is now one of the most useful parts of life. Storytelling and clear writing help people lead, sell, teach, and heal. The smartest people I know keep practicing this skill because they understand its power.
If you want to grow, start small. Write a little every day. Tell your stories. The world needs your voice. And that so-called "useless" skill might become the most useful thing you ever learned.
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