The Power of a Handwritten Letter

GM. Valentines Day 2025 is here. I can’t think of a better day to use today’s advice.

When I was in third grade, my teacher had a habit that stuck with me for life. Every single day, she wrote a handwritten letter to someone—an old friend, a student, a family member, or even a new acquaintance. She had done this for years, and when I got married, my wife and I received one of her letters. It was one of my favorites. Her thoughtful words showed how much she truly cared, and it left a lasting impression on both of us.

That’s the thing about handwritten letters. Anyone can send a text, make a call, or write an email. But when you take the time to put pen to paper, it means more.

This year, I decided to follow my teacher’s example. I committed to writing one letter every week to someone who has had a lasting impact on my life. And the results have been incredible.

How a Simple Letter Can Give You an Edge

Beyond strengthening relationships, these letters have unexpectedly helped me in networking. I recently met someone at a dinner event and, as a follow-up, I wrote them a letter. A few weeks later, they wrote back and said that because of my letter, they could recall who I was over everyone else in the room.

In a world where most follow-ups are digital, a handwritten letter stands out. It shows effort, thoughtfulness, and sincerity—things that are becoming increasingly rare.

How to Get Started

If you want to build stronger relationships, leave a lasting impression, or just brighten someone’s day, start with this simple step:

Pick one person this week and write them a short, thoughtful note. That’s it.

To make it a habit, set a reminder on your preferred day of the week. You’ll be amazed at how something so small can make such a big impact over time.

A handwritten letter is more than ink on paper—it’s a way to show someone they matter. And in today’s world, that’s powerful.

Enjoy,

Blake