Every DM hits a point where growth slows. Early on, you’re learning fast—figuring out your style, making mistakes, and improving every session. But after a while, the big leaps forward stop coming as quickly. The game runs smoothly. Prep gets easier. And that’s fine! If your players are having fun, you’re doing it right.

But if you’re like me, you don’t want to just stay comfortable—you want to keep improving.

The Challenge

A few weeks ago, I tried something different: I didn’t prep until an hour before the session. No detailed notes, no pre-planned encounters—just me, a blank page, and sixty minutes.

Right away, I had to rely on improvisation more than ever. I listened to my players, reacted in the moment, and let the story unfold naturally. The game felt more alive, more flexible. I was having more fun too.

So, I kept doing it.

The Results

After five sessions, I had improved more in a few weeks than I had in years. My descriptions got sharper, my NPCs felt more natural, and I was focusing on what actually mattered at the table. Instead of running a script, I was running a game.

I also saw my weak spots—places where I could improve without falling back into over-prepping. Instead of feeling like gaps, they became opportunities.

So, try this next time, you might be surprised how much you enjoy it!