Before experiencing the insecurities and doubts that seem to plague us as teens, I wanted to be a writer. At nine-years-old, my nose was always in a book reading and I thought, someday I want to write books. But as things do, this dream got pushed to the back burner. Saved for later. Paired with the little voice that asked “do I really have what it takes? Would I be any good?”

Not surprisingly, years passed. I experienced a call to ministry and found myself working at a church in my early twenties. But I still loved books, and I still wanted to write. 

Around that time, one of my favorite writers came to our local bookstore to do a reading from her new book. After, I stayed until almost everyone else had cleared out, so I could talk to her. I asked her what advice she would give to someone who wanted to be a writer. You know what she said?

“Write. Just start writing.”

Her words seemed underwhelming. If not for the respect I had for her, I might have said, 

“That’s it? That’s all?” 

At twenty-four though, I wasn’t even sure what I would write. So I kept journaling—which I didn’t see at the time, was writing. And I wrote as a part of my job. But the idea of taking the time to sit down and write something that was true, genuine, and something I wanted to share with the world, felt daunting. 

Again, years passed. I left full-time ministry, and finally felt it was time to write. I started a blog. I wrote consistently for six months. Then, for a variety of reasons, I stopped. One of these reasons was because I wrote only as I felt inspired. I thought that is what writers do. And I didn’t feel inspired anymore. Worse, I didn’t fully realize that my voice was important.

Two years went by, until finally, thanks to friend, I came across an interview with a writer. And he put my favorite writer’s words into perspective. He shared that when he was doubting his identity as a writer, a friend told him he was a writer, he just needed to write. 

Then, he said that he didn’t begin to gain traction with his writing until he purposefully sat down everyday and made himself write at least 500 words. Writing for him wasn’t solely about inspiration. In fact most of it wasn’t. His writing was developed in his routine. 

So I began to follow his path. For months, five days a week, I sought to write 500 words. Until, I realized 500 easily became 800 or even over 1,000. I wrote until I began to develop a vision for what you see now as melissaschlies.com. 

Today, I am celebrating as this is my 200th post. When I shared my first post almost two years ago, I wouldn’t have guessed how awesome this journey would be. And I can’t tell you how excited I am to both continue to share my words with you, and begin my coaching business. BUT, I also have something really important to share:

None of this would have happened, without creating a routine. 

For years, my dream to be a writer existed only in my heart. It was something I kept putting off for “someday.” But through creating a sustainable routine in my everyday life, I have now written thousands of words. Some of my posts have even been read by almost a thousand readers. And my next goal, after fully launching my coaching business, is to write a book. 

Along this journey, I have discovered dreams don’t just come true. They require work, and work happens best when we make it a routine. Since forming a writing routine, Tony and I have formed numerous other routines in our everyday life to help use reach both creative and health goals. We’ve discovered ones that don’t work for us, and maintained ones that do. 

…dreams don’t just come true. They require work, and work happens best when we make it a routine.

With all of this information, I then worked with people I mentor and coach to help them create sustainable routines in their lives. And through these experiences, I have designed Real Routines—an eight week coaching module to help others begin to develop and implement lasting routines in their everyday lives. To help them to reach their goals and realize their dreams. And now, it is available for you. 

If you have a dream or want to make a change in your life, Real Routines may be what you need to get on track. For more information, check out my coaching page, and sign up here, for a free “Get to Know You Session,” to find out if this program is right for you.

What are the dreams you want to make reality?

How are you taking steps to reach them? And can I help? 

 

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