You have a story to tell.
More importantly, you are a valuable part of your Creator’s story.
These questions must be asked:
Why are so many people hesitant to tell their story?
Why do so many people think that their story doesn’t matter?
And what is the best method if you want to know how to tell your story?
The world wants you to simply fit in, join in with the noise of the crowd, and forget that you are a diamond. Why? Because the world’s system was constructed to profit from your lack of self-worth. It was built to convince you to not take any risks and remain in a closed routine. The world would rather you keep your story in the shadows.
I’m here today to inspire you to bring your life story into the light. Here are some reasons why you should tell your story:
- Your story can help or inspire others.
- It can help others discover that they are not alone.
- Your story can help you remember that you are loved.
- Telling your story can help you rediscover your self-worth.
Your story is like your fingerprint–a one-of-one. Let’s step through how to tell your story.
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Table of Contents
Reflect on Your Nature, Nurture, and Hopes
The talents and personality traits that you were born with, the things that you’ve learned and experienced along the way (whether positive or negative), and your thoughts about the future all combine to shape your story. There’s no way in the world that another person on this planet has the exact same nature, nurture, and hopes as you.
Pull out a journal or open a blank Word or Google document and write down all that you can think of in terms of your nature, nurture, and hopes (which can include your faith-based hopes and life goals). In this exercise, you will discover how your story connects to the past, present, and future.
Nature example: “My adventurous personality led me to an international trip where I met my husband.”
Nurture example: “My mother and father taught me the importance of practice. Their influence is a big reason for my success as a professional athlete.”
Hopes example: “I always wanted to write a book. Publishing this book is a dream come true.”
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Joy and Pain: Highlight Significant Moments and Turning Points
Slowly review your life’s film in your mind and note the significant moments. You’re going to remember joyful moments and painful moments. Consider how these moments shape who you are today.
For example, some moments that stand out in my life are…
- When I hit my first two home runs in Little League in the same game
- When I realized that my mom and dad would never be together
- When I got cut from the basketball team in middle school and high school
- When I first saw the young woman who would eventually be my wife
- When my father drove from Houston to Atlanta to keep me from dropping out of engineering school at Georgia Tech
- When I graduated from Georgia Tech
- When my father died
- When my mother died
- When I got married
- When I met and worked with my favorite music producer Jay Dee aka J. Dilla
- Each of our three kids’ births
- When God’s love took over my heart
This might not be true for you…but most of my moments above relate to personal relationships–not work or career achievements. This exercise will show you that achievements are cool but they don’t hold as much weight as our relationships (whether good or bad).
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Put It All Together
Next, put your significant moments together in chronological order. Creatively weave in how nature, nurture, and your hopes play roles in your life. You will notice a connection between your nature, nurture, hopes, relationships, and achievements.
Now that you recognize that you have a unique story, you have to look for opportunities to share your story.
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Tell your story when people are interested in learning more about you. Tell your story whether you think it’s worth it or not. Your life story will help somebody and it will prove that your self-worth is invaluable.
Some of my favorite ways to tell my story are through my writing, on podcasts, public speaking, and in one-on-one in-person or virtual meetings (thanks “new normal”).
In my first book, O.P.E.N. Routine, I concluded it with the point that your opportunities, passions, and education won’t do much for you if you don’t network. The same is true for your story and experiences. Take your story with you and share it so that it can be an active agent that inspires others to better themselves. And you will see that helping others by sharing your story will give you energy and much more in return. It’s more blessed to give than receive. Therefore, as a giver of your story, you will gain even more.
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In Conclusion
Remember that the only thing constant in life is change. Your story is a living narrative that is continuously evolving. Think about your story as you experience new highs and lows. Update your story in your mind and ‘on paper.’
As you grow, you’ll realize that God’s story, your story, and your worth are deeply connected.
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