A few months ago, I told a story to some friends, and they all said the same thing:
“Lisa… this sounds like a novel.”
I laughed it off at first, but the idea wouldn’t leave me alone. What if I really could write a book?
So I asked ChatGPT, “How does someone start writing a book?” And its answer got those wheels burning rubber in my mind, lighting a spark in my desire to give it a real shot.
Essentially, it explained that the writing process starts out messy. Writers just get their thoughts out, whether they start at chapter one or jump into a random scene they feel inspired to write, and piece the story together later. You just need to get your thoughts on paper, even if they’re word-vomited, jumbled, and disorganized, because the real magic happens in the editing process.
This resonated with me because I realized that starting to write is truly about practicing writing. And suddenly, the task felt less daunting.
Over the past few months, I’ve added multiple practices into my life. Practices that slowly turned into habits I’m proud to say are here to stay.
Little things like making my bed every morning, meal prepping on Sundays, and actually putting my laundry away after it comes out of the dryer. I practiced these small things consistently, and now I’m enjoying the results.
I started bowling in 2024 when my dad asked me to join a bowling league with him. I thought he was crazy to want me on his team. I was the self-proclaimed gutter ball queen. But he told me he’d want nothing more than to share a weeknight with me each week. I realized it was really about spending time together, and I said yes.
When I started, I was lucky if my score even got close to 100. But through coaching from my dad, encouragement from the bowling friends we made along the way, and a lot of practice, I began to improve, consistently scoring 100 or more.
That’s when my dad coined a new phrase:
“It’s not whether you’re going to get to 100. It’s about how much over you’ll get.”
And now… my league average is 130 points. I consistently bowl that high, and often even higher.
Sure, there are games where I bowl in the low 100s. But that doesn’t discourage me anymore. I know what I’m capable of. I keep my head held high, knowing the higher scores will be there too.
Bowling truly showed me what practice makes possible. And I’m forever grateful to my dad for planting that seed in me.
Because now I have an internal, unshakable belief that if I practice anything, including writing, I will eventually get better… then get good… and then, become great.
So this is me, practicing writing and sharing my story out loud. And if you’re chasing something too, I hope you’ll practice right alongside me.
If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear what you’re practicing lately. You’re always welcome to share in the comments.
Live for the Chase 