A few weeks ago, I did something that felt both thrilling and terrifying: I sat down to write fiction for the first time.
For most of my career, I’ve been firmly rooted in nonfiction. I’ve written books, articles, newsletters, and research-based thought leadership. My writing has been about analysis, advice, and strategy—structured and purposeful. But recently, I found myself pulled toward storytelling in a new way, one that wasn’t about delivering facts or frameworks but about creating a world from scratch.
I’ll be honest: I had no idea where to begin.
At first, I asked ChatGPT “how to start writing fiction,” read about character arcs and plot structures, and stared at a blank page wondering if I was completely out of my depth. I was. With the encouragement from my newly hired writing coach, I started to play with characters and imagine scenes, something surprising happened. My brain lit up in ways it hadn’t in years.
And I realized that this experiment wasn’t just about fiction—it was about growth, creativity, and the power of trying something new.
Why New Challenges Matter
Our brains are wired to love routine. Routines feel safe and predictable, and in many ways they help us thrive. But research in neuroscience shows that when we try something unfamiliar—whether it’s learning a language, playing an instrument, or yes, writing fiction—we activate new neural pathways. It’s like giving your brain a workout, building cognitive flexibility and resilience.
Creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability are all strengthened when we push ourselves outside our comfort zones. And in today’s world of work, where industries are shifting and AI is transforming the landscape, adaptability is one of the most critical skills for career success.
If we stay in our lane, doing only what we’ve always done, we risk stagnation. But if we give ourselves permission to experiment—even imperfectly—we expand what’s possible.
Read the full story on Substack.com.
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