The Dark Side of Storytelling
The Dark Side.
I have built my business around telling stories and teaching others how to tell their stories. It’s my life, it’s what I’m good at. But, there is a job hazard of being a great story teller.
The problem is that I believe every story I tell.
The Problem with Personal Narratives
"You're a great storyteller." This might sound like a compliment, but when it comes to the stories we tell ourselves, it's often a hindrance. We craft intricate, persuasive tales that we believe wholeheartedly, and these stories can hold us back from achieving our full potential.
Three Steps to Transform Your Story
1. Identify the Story The first step is recognizing these narratives. Often, they're so ingrained that we accept them as facts. Question the major pillars of your life - health, business, relationships, family, finances, spirituality - and ask yourself what’s holding you back. Example: A personal story from the speaker’s life illustrates this point. They and their husband were struggling with financial issues due to an upside-down condo. The prevailing narrative was either foreclosure or a long-term financial drain. But on closer inspection, they realized this was just a story, not an unchangeable fact.
2. Challenge the Story Once you've identified your story, challenge it. Ask yourself, "Is this really a fact or just a narrative I’ve created?" By challenging the status quo, you open up new possibilities. Example: By challenging their story about the condo, the speaker and their husband discovered options they hadn’t seen before. Within eight months, they turned their financial situation around, closing a $250,000 gap.
3. Rewrite the Story The final step is rewriting your narrative. Look for stories that empower you and align with your goals.
The Power and Pitfalls of Storytelling
Storytelling is persuasive and powerful, which is why it's a valuable skill in communication and business. However, the dark side emerges when we tell ourselves limiting stories. It's crucial to be aware of this and actively work on crafting narratives that propel us forward, not hold us back.
Embrace Your Inner Storyteller
We’re all incredible storytellers. It’s time to harness this power for our own benefit. Identify, challenge, and rewrite the stories you tell yourself. Be proud of your storytelling skills and use them to tell the best possible stories to yourself.