The Most Powerful Thing About You
“I have a picture of myself from when I was about two years old. It shows me with a bowed head and stooped shoulders, in despair, peering through sad eyes that wondered what I was doing in this world …” Shirzad Charmine.
A surprising quote from a bestselling book titled, “Positive Intelligence,” wouldn’t you think? If you look between the lines and in the shadows of his book, you realize Shirzad is telling his own story, even though he only shares tiny slivers here and there.
Your power:
The most powerful thing about you is your story.
But don’t talk about yourself all the time; you’ll be a bore.
Ineffective story-tellers:
- See how great I …
- See how much better …
- See what I’ve …
I asked Shirzad how and when he decides to share his story.
I don’t tell my story when:
- I’m worried about how I look.
- I’m trying to be impressive.
- I’m thinking, “Look how cool I am.”
“My ‘saboteurs’ are talking when I’m focused on protecting and serving me, exclusively.” (List of saboteurs)
I choose to tell my story when:
- I’m serving others.
- I feel compassion.
- I want to make a difference.
“I fully trust my instincts when I’m focused on serving.” Serving is the voice of our “sage”.
The sage:
- Explores with great curiosity.
- Empathizes with self and others.
- Innovates and creates.
- Navigates a path that aligns with deeper values.
- Activates; takes decisive action.
Your story:
Publicly share your journey through struggles and challenges.
Share lessons from failure but avoid being a victim. Your journey through; draws, inspires, educates, and challenges.
Bonus: Keep your current failures – where there’s no progress at all – between you and close friends. That’s your private story.
You might enjoy: “I live with an inner critic who loves pointing out my faults…” — How to Disarm Your Inner Critic
When and how do you share your story?
*****
I rarely tell my story. I mostly share my experiences when I believe it will give the other person a new perspective on a current situation. Stories are memorable.
Hi Steve,
I’ve been very slow at telling my own story, too. Shirzad and others continue to challenge me in this area.
I’m thankful to see you here every morning.
Best,
Dan
Thanks Dan. Are you fully recovered from the accident?
I continue to improve. Yesterday we took three grandchildren to an amusement park… I was on my feet all day. My right hip and knee were a bit sore by the end of the day but this morning I’m fine. 🙂
Thanks for asking.
There are two ways I tend to share my story. One is in a one-on-one conversation when trying to help someone else to move through their own issues by giving them an option from my own history that maybe they hadn’t considered. The second is sometimes when making a presentation I will provide a small portion of my story to bring humanity to the topic (I’m a CPA and nothing is harder to sit through than accounting training).
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for sharing part of your story that explains how you share your story… 🙂
I love the idea that our story brings humanity to a topic.
Best,
Dan
Dan, glad you’re improving, I know all about those joint pains! Also, I agree with Bonnie, in coaching or in small group consults, I share my applicable stories of “the journey through.” In larger group presentations, I share relevant stories that may be of benefit and help lend insight to others who may be experiencing a similar situation.
Thanks for the good word Mentorboom…
Sounds like you’ve found some of your power to help others grow/change.
Best,
Dan
Dan,
I believe there is nothing more powerful than being able to share our failures and mistakes with others. Not because we want others to think, “Wow, look what you have overcome.”
It’s about our intentions. I share my mistakes and my less than noble times with others so people will be able to relate to me. I often use humor. I’ll say something like, “I know you would never be silly enough to do something like this, but listen to this big blooper that I pulled.”
Usually after I share my story people are thinking one of two things:
!. Wow. I would never admit that. What is she going to say next? I’m smarter than this gal. I can’t believe she has accomplished anything at all after that. I sure feel better about myself.
Or
2. Oh my gosh, she made a mistake as bad as the one I made and she is able to admit it. I can relate to her. Maybe there is hope for me. Maybe I can talk to her about my issue.
Dauna Easley
Dauna,
Thanks for another wonderful comment.
The inclusion of humor really helps. I remember the first time I traveled to the West Coast to speak. My North East sarcasm didn’t work well. I learned that poking fun at myself is much better than poking fun at others. … it is a connector.
Thank you for sharing your insights.
Best,
Dan
Dan,
You are soooo right. The only time I ever bombed as a speaker…i mean really laid an egg was in Maine. I suppose I have mid western humor or something. They just didn’t get me at all. I’m telling you it was more than humbling. If that had been really early in my career, I never would have gotten up in front of anyone again.
Dauna
Thanks Dan. So true. Sharing our story is suppose to help inspire and give hope to others. Why else tell it ? So glad to hear you are healing nicely. keep up the great work.
Al
I share my story with youth groups and other young adults. I began telling my story this past year and was afraid of whether I could be successful. I have found that people want to hear real stories from real people, but I have also discovered that the more I tell it the more healing I find for myself.
I have found with the fabulous coaching mentors I have had, a great service to me has been times they have shared their stories – especially stories of mistakes and vulnerabilities. I have found that exploring these facets of leadership often times has led to the core of what we value and/or a disconnect within the context of our work. The ‘sage’ lens of connecting and learning though stories can be very powerful when cultivating new leaders!
Funny, some of this post reminds me of the Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of the Sages, containing lessons and quotations from some of Judaism’s greatest scholars. Particularly that part of what makes up a sage.
Very true! (:
Very well said. I think people do start things for the wrong reason and have slightly too much to prove. When choosing it for the right reasons while staying humble things tend to go better… speaking from experience.
Katie
http://katieraspberry.wordpress.com/how-to-get-traffic/
Really enjoyed your post – thank you. Refreshing to see something which touches on when not to speak out, as well as when to tell your story quietly and calmly.
I’m always better at everything when I’m doing it for someone else.
Mine is a good story, and one I will tell someday.
I like this post, it makes a good story.
Steven Wade, Edinburgh and Dundee
Congratulations, You have been Freshly Pressed! Well deserved recognition.
I taught a class in Management Problems in the Spring and I referred the students to your blog.
You have a great way of putting key issues in a way that is easy to grasp.
I enjoy reading your blog, thank you!
I so love this. I believe that we can all learn from and help each other grow from sharing with others–be it our story, our compassion, or a lesson we have learned.
Great post, and congrats on being freshly pressed.
Very cool blog. Thanks. Such a precious face. Children can be so deeply connected to life, even if greatly confused about it. Our stories are so important to us and often we’re telling them even when we don’t mean to.
Humility, humility, humility. Thank you for sharing ‘your’ story today.
How true.
A great blog and good story.
Great post! Thanks. Today I told my story. I tend not to because I do not like speaking of myself but a girl told me her problems and I had been there before so I told about a “friend” of mine that went through her exact problems and how “she” overcame them.
I also feel reluctant to talk about my recent failures unless I am around those I know and can trust. i feel too self conscious.
thanks for sharing your great wisdom 🙂
A wonderful post. Full of wisdom and authenticity. Thanks for sharing it!
Really, really love this post. And I think that’s the very powerful thing about many blogs that share their stories in compassion and wanting to make a difference.
Thank you! 🙂
I’ve been wrestling with this subject for a while. I really like what you have to say here about how and when to share your story. These thoughts seem like the tip of a huge iceberg. It leaves me wanting to dig deeper to know more about effective story-tellers and The sage.
I believe we all have a story to tell. We just don’t know it until it’s the right time to here. Nice blog. Good information.
I am definitely unwilling to discuss my failures or even temporary shortcomings with others. Thank you for sharing, I’m definitely taking time to reflect.
This comes at just the perfect time. I’ve found that if you open yourself up and be honest, people will appreciate it much more than if you try to show how great you are.
A beautifully wise post!
I often share my story when others are down and out as a way to encourage them that things can get better.
Very insightful! I’m truly enjoying reading a bit from all the bloggers out here!
Lon
Lons_Designs
http://lonsdesigns.wordpress.com
It is always rare to find a good listener but always easy to find those that like to share. Very interesting post.
Same here I don’t offer negative stuff about me, it wont help me as well as the recipient. Adorable baby pic, by the way. Thanks for imparting some positive and informative entry here. 🙂
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colorado springs divorce lawyers
lovely post,,,,nice one indeed stay blessed
I beg to dissent a bit. While speaking about oneself is often, if not usually, boring to others, I have observed the opposite as well. One person in particular, the owner of a small but busy pizza joint I used to frequent, could occasionally be found behind the bar casually telling a story or two from his past, with an absolutely rapt customer audience, myself included. His stories were usually peppered with humor, and if not humor, passion. I found his stories especially interesting because it provided me with a window into the life and thought processes of someone I admired. I remember thinking that if I were to talk about myself that much, I would quickly have no friends left – and marveled at the way this thirty-something business owner was able to pull that off.
very well said! I actually just started blogging and my main goal was to find my identity through sharing my ideas about my interests. It’s true that egotistic blogging won’t get you far, so might as well put a blog that relates to you and make a difference out of it! Thanks!]
despair, peering through sad eyes that wondered what I was doing in this world …” Shirzad Charmine.
I’M STILL WONDERING WHAT I’M DOING IN THIS WORLD.
************
Don’t talk about yourself all the time
u are completly right.
Let your deeds do.
It is a valuable article
Thank u
fun and insightful
I don’t like to talk about my story but i enjoy listening to others story.
somehow I didn’t get this: what do you mean by ‘your story’? Who you are – or leadership experience – or litteraly some personal story?
this is a great blog and so are the comments i read. keep up the good work Dan
Congrats on the freshly pressed!
That childhood photo of his is so adorably sad.
It’s not always easy to tell your story, but that’s where people connect to it the most. No one likes a brag either; it serves no one to brag.
So powerful… “I fully trust my instincts when I’m focused on serving.” Serving is the voice of our “sage”.
THANK YOU!!
So inspiring and motivational!! thanks for sharing:)
I so enjoyed this piece. So many people feel like they must share their unresolved struggles. There’s no learning involved, no insight to be gained. Keep those struggles to yourself until you get the Gift, then share. We all want to know how to get to *that* point.
I too enjoyed this piece. I think it important to share who we are, more than what we’ve done. My accomplishments are few and unexciting, but when we have shared an experience- a feeling, a regret, a joy- my readers/listeners and I stand on common ground, and can learn much from each other.
I don’t like telling my story. I just see it as unwanted baggage that I carry around with me!
I hope I am sharing my story for all the right reasons here on WordPress. It is nice to be able to share with such a large community. What area of the country are you based?
You Matter! Smiles, Nancy
I try to share my story in a humourous way – sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t
Reblogged this on Make Something Every Day and commented:
Chalk art festival!? C’mooon!
In the past year I have really grown to dislike telling my story. It really does bother me sometimes.
Telling our “journey through” story. I love that! Great sage advice for our personal lives, and our blogs. Congrats on being Fresh Pressed!
🙂 – MoSop
It was a great experience and help me reading this blog…I like to share my story in a way that does not focus too much on me, but in a way that I can relate, help, improve, inspire and motivate others. Thanks for sharing this blog.
I refuse to speak to people when they come across as arrogant. But I don’t share my story often because I am afraid of being seen as conceited. This is GREAT because now I realize when it’s appropriate. Thank you.
My story usually brings sympathy to the minds of a listener even know Ive had great triumph. I dont want pitty, my story is very sad but inspiring so I have to choose who I tell. Thank you for this article.
I like this idea about the strongest thing about you is your story, sincce it is a coincidence that yesterday and today with two different friends I just got the same insight, for one to start blogging, for the other to become an artist! 🙂 thanks for shairng!
Our story makes us who we are. Sometimes that means pain or sorrow but those are the growing pains of life. Those moments are the numbers of the equation that equals me :-)and sometimes finding a way to be comfortable with it all is my biggest badge of courage. Exquisit post. Thank you.
Very agree with you, your story is the most powerful thing about you, like the experience we have ever had that can help us to be better in the future…
Beautiful blog post, thank you!!!
I would like to detach from my story, lose my story, and start anew. Too many people are attached to their stories and even the fascinating stories grow boring after the second time you have heard them. Our society is too caught up in resumes, biographies, childhood stories, and this obsession with being someone’s hero. I would rather just BE and let everything else go. It’s liberating.
thanks for that intelligent blog post. ill bookmark your page. its very useful
great post..i have a huge story…I am currently working on a book about my mom’s story..it is true and touching but incomplete…this post was brilliant! congrats on being freshly pressed!!!!
Perseverance through personal failure carves a pathway to success. Great information. Thank you.
lovely post…………….
I agree with you Dan, you have done the right thing through this journey of yours keep going solider ♥
This is good stuff. Thanks!
beautiful read. I’ve struggled with this because I want to chronicle my journey through eye-opening travels but also through the mundane routines of daily life. I’ve been posting a blog post a day since January 1st, 2012, and some days I feel like I’m oversharing, or self-conscious because I wrote too much. But looking back at previous posts, I see my own story stitched together word by word, post by post.
A great write up! I’d to love emulate that!
In my new blog (just hit 15 posts) I’ve been writing about my story and have questioned the wisdom of such naked vulnerability. In an effort to avoid reader boredom and stay away from me me me me, like an opera singer, I’ve considered writing about the stories of friends and family with my voice threading through as the commentator…do you have any thoughts on that?
I don’t have suggestions on that. I wish you the best
I just visited your blog: Looking forward to following its growth. As for your inquiry about sharing the stories of others, may I suggest you find out (1) if they would want their stories told and (2) how they would like it told. Best to you as you find your blogging empowerment!
Wow, I’ve been following you on Twitter for awhile. Love your “brain bites”. Excited to see you on Freshly Pressed.
Another great post!
Peace,
Alexandria
Hi there! Actually I read your article and like it as these are written with love and intelligence.. I love your blog because the Author is like the world’s Lovely Author! Thanking You for such Articles!! 🙂
HI Dan! Although this is my first read from your blog, I’m glad to read that your are recovering well. What a empowering post! Looking forward to reading & re-posting more of your blogging.
I can relate with Shirzad when he when the story is told:
‘.. I’m serving others, I feel compassion. I want to make a difference…“I fully trust my instincts when I’m focused on serving.” Serving is the voice of our “sage”.’
Regarding my story & sharing, I have a novel of mini stories which can be share to family, friends, and complete strangers. For example, there was a moment where I was in a restroom and I came across someone who is crying. Upon asking, “Are you OK?”, our 3 hr conversation began during which our dates were patiently waiting for us in the lobby with our doggy bags! 🙂
Best regards!
Reblogged this on EMPOWERED RESULTS ~ Creating A Difference In Our Communities… and commented:
Here is an empowering post by Dan Rockwell! I can relate with Shirzad Charmine when he states when his story is told:
‘.. I’m serving others, I feel compassion. I want to make a difference…“I fully trust my instincts when I’m focused on serving.” Serving is the voice of our “sage”.’
Enjoy!
“I choose to tell my story when: I’m serving others.I feel compassion. I want to make a difference.”
This is something I’ve always done through out my life. When I tell my story to people they seem to really pay attention, and get closer to you. They know you are not out there trying to be better than they are. They know you are trying to help, and share your knowledge on how you accomplish something, or got out of a situation.
I tell my stories when I remember them, lol!
Telling your story as an act of serving others or an attempt to make a difference is definitely well justified and useful. People gain new perspectives and ideas. Great post!
The one that rings truest for me is sharing my story when the motive is ‘compassion’. That’s when it can make the biggest difference to both parties. Really enjoyed reading this.
You wrote a great blog. You have very good tips! You give good words. We need people like that. Thank You! If you want you can check out my blog: sydneydesign or sydneydesign.wordpress.com
Thanks!
Thank for sharing your story, wonderful.
Interesting.
So, when do you tell your story?
Wayne
Reblogged this on luvsiesous and commented:
Friends,
Here is a blog about when to tell your story. Or, how not to be vain.
Freshly pressed comes through again.
Thanks!
Wayne
I also share my own stories when I’m only talking to someone about a particular issue or issues so as to help the person learn from my own experiences. this is so if only I’m very sure that it is necessary in the conversation. I don’t like using my stories to people any how because some people may misunderstand you. some may think you are just trying to show yourself. I think I will share my blog relationship story with some people who are still struggling with blogging especially on relationship blogs: http://www.trueloverelationship-advice.come
Wow, really interesting perspective that I hadn’t heard before. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Courtney Hosny
http://www.oneweektocrazy.com
What a nice advice. Thanks
Truly advice intended for my ears at the present moment. It’s good to remember that when things are going well in your life, it is not always appropriate to throw around your successes. Doing so sets the listener up for one of two thought. 1. Well, isn’t this guy full of himself? or 2. Well, I really feel bad about myself now compared to all the stuff this person is doing.
As someone who has to deal with an overabundance of pride, your words made changed my thoughts on sharing.
Every person should consider their own story. Tell it to themselves. It will show them where they came from how they got to where they are now and tell you where you are going. Being acutley aware of their story they will see the trail they are on and only then can they change the path going forward if that’s what they choose.
Otherwise they walk forward in a zombie like march to the end of their days.
I’m laughing at the timing of this because I’m here putting off writing my statement of purpose for grad school, reading blogs instead! This not only made the postponing completely worth it, but now I have great advice to write about the journey through challenges!
I also LOVE that your blog gives advice in 300 words or less because while I love surfing self-help and motivational blogs – usually I wind up tuning out because they’re far too long! From a 365 word blogger to a 300 word blogger, great job on sticking to the point!
Good thoughts to keep in mind for those professional biographies
I realise now why I’m such a hopeless leader – I waffle on (and on, and on), I only write about me, me, me (and try to laugh at myself before anyone else get’s chance to), and always share my failures with the . Congrats on the Freshly Pressed, I’ll try to take your advice on board!
*world*…I’m also very trigger happy and clumsy on the keyboard!
Follow your gut, never settle and do what you love. Combine that with what you wrote above (what to write and what not to write) and there could be success dependent on how ‘you’ see it. Great post.
Grandes reflexiones!!!
I am glad I found your blog! I am new and having a heck of a time finding people who write stuff I am interested in and willing to follow.
That saying “knowledge is power” is a little off, if no one knows you have it, it is worthless.
And I love the story telling! I never made a mistake any of my business professors made…I found all new ones : )
And I share them so others do not waste time repeating my mistakes.
This is a great post
Just want to say Thank You for this wonderful post. Following you now ^_^
I’m living in an intentional christian community this summer, and we ascribe to fourteen covenants of presence. One of them states that “we all have a story” and calls us to author our own story and recognize its significance and power. Another says that we decide how much and when to share–the extent to which we share our stories is always affirmed as our decision.
cant get enough of this post
come check out a place to share your story with students – http://www.thehumanside.org/
your blog has solved my one confusion…thnx…its really a master piece…a life long lesson for me…
Reblogged this on For your mind & future only and commented:
Do like this guy, Shirzad Charmine, and I’m sure people will start liking you better as well as you will be more popular. Just great this one!
Letting the adventure run wide will be a red cloth waving to a bull.freshly press you’ve touched a case i’ve left in the dark.
Sharing our own stories sometimes is very hard due to the fear of being judged by others. However, telling others our stories will allow others to understand who we really are and why we choose the things we do.
Great blog and post! I am cautious when sharing my story because it means stepping out of my comfort zone. But for those times I do share, I definitely notice an increase in my confidence level and seem better prepared to face the challenges that inevitably pop up during my journey through life.
Reblogged this on sam finds faith. and commented:
I found this to be very interesting and I think it applies very much to when/how/and where we, as Christians shoudl share our testimony.
Fascinating insight and i must say being our own critic can be a little too distracting for our own good. But letting it dominate you is another cause it can create keep you from having a fearless attitude about your work and what you should and shouldn’t do in life. But it is important like anything else so long as balance is applied -,o
http://wp.me/2aAA8
I have also wrote an article about this subject just last week, so check it out if your interested http://wp.me/p2aAA8-kz
Reblogged this on iTech For Educators and commented:
A little off topic so to speak, but when I saw this I needed my readers to see it. You see, as teachers we tell our stories everyday. It’s nicely summed up in this article in the following;
“I choose to tell my story when:
I’m serving others.
I feel compassion.
I want to make a difference.
“I fully trust my instincts when I’m focused on serving.” Serving is the voice of our “sage”.”
What a powerful message we take with us everyday when we stand in front of our students. What story are you telling them?
I don’t tell my story. See no point. I AM my story, EVERYTHING I DO or rather DID is my story.
If people fail to see that then may be I’m just surrounded by wrong people..
I can see a point in doing your own PR but I am not sure it’s right for the above-metioned reason.
I’ve always been viewed as a freak (moderate, though, and yes I was gifted they didn’t deny me that at least)
At first as a child I didn’t understand, I earnestly didn’t understand why… Although I couldn’t help feeling it and was in constant dissonance about myself. Why? And I was really trying, I was doing more than others, at the same time I believed that maybe I hadn’t yet done enough to deserve..
Then, as I grew older and againts many odds achieved more than I could expect and didn’t find what I needed – I thought hard and gradually realized why.
I was horrified with the sense of injustice, stupidity, malice and ill will disguised as good … double (even triple etc) standards that surrounded me… I don’t know how I’ve survived all that but I certainly don’t feel like doing some PR stunts all these things cosidered.
Reblogged this on CEO Blog and commented:
You are power, you are the energy of power. What is your power story? Find your power-this article probes the questions.
i try not to tell my story.. but mostly end up pouring all the screts of mine (hush..hush…:);;))
Reblogged this on Conversations With a Cowboy and commented:
Some wonderful reminders and messages here .. thoughts I often share with my daughter, especially as some of the same rules apply to friendships and making new friends. Which can be tough at the age she is at .. especially for girls.
I specifically appreciate ..
The comments under, “Your power:”
The most powerful thing about you is your story. But don’t talk about yourself all the time; you’ll be a bore.
It is a lesson and a conversation I was also part of long ago, as a journalist just starting out in my career. We were in a roundtable with 3 newsrooms and a consultant from AR&D. I’ll never forget the words out of our particular consultant’s mouth that day ..
‘The news isn’t about those who write or read it. While it’s fine to personalize some things once in awhile, don’t insert yourself. It’s not about you.’
These are words I have tried, for a very long time it seems now, to live by. And as I work to maintain this journal, for now .. which is personal, I’m wanting to still try and find that balance.
Sharing stories is what I so enjoy doing.
And the attached blog has some great reminders/food for thought .. especially now. Thanks for the post, Leadership Freak.
I love the spareness of what is put forward here, and the dynamite-like intensity that can packed into a little language.
by which i mean, “can BE packed”– maybe I was feeling a little too minimalist?
I tell my story or I try to tell my story of my failures and struggles and my imperfections… I love writing on my blog because it gives me the space to express myself something I know Facebook would never do. Thanks for the post!
real stories are never told like hey this is my story but they are discovered by people who really wants to know.
I’m about blogs like this, very cool. So much more meaningful to read blogs about empowerment and betterment than just….here are the foods I ate this week, etc.
Right on.
This was an interesting read!
Great article. I appreciated the differentiation between when it’s the right time to tell one’s story. Being a former social worker and Spiritual Life Coach, I’ve grappled with this topic because of the training I’ve received about keeping a professional distance. Thanks for clarifying a touchy subject with such depth and simplicity. I will definitely be a follower of yours from now on.
Check out my blogs too as I think they might interest you & your readers as well.
http://1divineperspective.wordpress.com/
http://lmmiller34.wordpress.com/
Blessings,
Lisa
What great insight. Thanks!
This makes a nice story
Wow, this is great. Thanks! The epitome of servant-leadership, I would say. I’ve always struggled with picturing what practical servant-leadership looks like — it seems Charmine has solved that for me.
Nice post that you share with us.. thanks and waiting for more like this..
it’s a wonderful article, please continue post the interesting writing! thank you.
I think experience plays an extremely important role in leadership. It shows you know what you are talking about and gives others confidence in what you say. However, it is definitely a skill to get the balance right between boasting and showing experience.
Excellent post. You’re right, sharing your past struggles really can help others with their current problems.
Everyone loves to read something they can learn a little from, something inspiring, something with depth. Thanks for sharing!
So much of this is about checking in with the authenticity of our energy and intention. A big phat hooray to you for putting it out there for so many to read! THIS is the sort of things that changes worlds. Thanks for being you!
The power of vulnerability is underrated but very powerful to create rapport with others. People want and need to see the real you before they can truly trust you. Great blog 🙂
Reblogged this on last domino standing and commented:
truly great.
-WARNING-
This is not a sycophant posting!
-WARNING-
This was NOT a great post. I’t is a post that confuses the human interest in conflict, with the human hatred of the self-aggrandizing.
It will probably spawn an irrelevant spew of self deprecating, accounts of all that sucked in a person’s life.
Don’t let the premise of your story stop you from telling your BEST story. It’s that simple. If your BEST story is one where you kick-ass and take names, tell that one, if your BEST story is about how you served yourself and no one else, tell that one. If your BEST story is how much better you are, or how great you are, tell that one.
Don’t let this post stop you in any way from telling your BEST story, whatever it was.
People want some conflict in their stories, even if that conflict is you against the reader.
Be bold, tell what you want without reserve, and I promise, the more you that you give the reader, the more they will enjoy the story.
Would you read the stories of the following fictional headlines?
“The day I won the girl of my dreams, because no-one could bake a cake better than me.”
“The day I made my little brother, never mess with me – ever again.”
“How I put a Gold medal in my display cabinet.”
“How it feel’s to park my Ferrari at my 10 year reunion.”
“The scar I have on my leg, that reminds me why I am the best boss.”
Please, I bet you all wish those were real stories, no one wants to have to go the pointless drivel of stories of humility, such as:
“The mistake that finally taught me a valuable lesson that I needed to learn.”
“How I lead, be being honest about my mistakes.”
“Going through my tough times has made me appreciate the good times.”
“How I got over everyone judging me for my scarred face.”
Bla, bla, bla.
This is a leadership blog is it not? Stop trying to lead, and just go out and be awesome, and tell everyone about it.
Foster a culture that responds to success, and promotes the sharing of each other’s greatnesses.
Be a role-model, not a recovering failure.
If you want to read and awesome blog, with the best posts ever, go read my blog,
Stephenis.com
I really enjoy reading your blog, but I have to be upfront here and say this post felt “phoned in” It didnt heve your normal energy
I hope you are doing well , I will keep on reading because I have seen your ability to touch my life powerfully. and I know you will be GREAT next time
I like the post but it assumes we know our story. To be honest I am 24 years old and this is a struggle I have right now in trying to become employed. How do you explain to en employer what your story and unique selling point is if you don’t know it yourself.
Maybe a post on how to identify your story and create an effective plot around what may be pretty “normal” occurrences in life.
this was a weird but interesting read. very…thought provoking. thanks for sharing!
This is an interesting post! I do share the same view as you with reagrds to when and how one should tell his or hers story. As I am taking a social science class right now, I can strongly relate to your view. For me, I only share my story when others ask about it and most probably I will see the stituation before framing and executing the story.
When traing to be a counsellor and later a life coach we were discouraged from telling our story but I think sometimes it can really help someone feel less alone and like there is a way to move forward
I stumbled across this on Freshly Pressed – really good insight and advice, especially as I am in the process of starting a new blog and love the food for thought you’d given me. Thanks and I will be reading more! http://sosheis.wordpress.com
I would really like your post, it would really explain each and every point clearly well thanks for sharing.