Do You Have a Story to Tell?

YES, YOU DO. Each of us has a powerful life story! Writing yours can help identify the core values and beliefs that have been foundational to your success. It gives a voice. It creates connections. It inspires.

“Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.”– Robert McKee

There are a myriad of reasons to tell your story:

  • It will clarify your vision of who you are.
  • You’ll create a connection with your readers.
  • It will help others grow through your wisdom.
  • You’ll move forward by sharing challenges you have faced.
  • It helps others recognize why life is worth living.
  • Your memories won’t be forgotten.
  • You’ll enjoy reliving the good moments in your life.
  • You’ll learn something.
  • You’ll teach something.
  • And there are many ways to share your story

    Related: Just Do It? How to Develop a Realistic Schedule to Complete a Plan

    So, how do you get started? Good question. Start with the 3 P’s:

  • Purpose – what message you want to communicate
  • Passion – why the message is so important to you
  • Personality – how you want people to experience who you are
  • Now that you know what you want to share, it’s time to create a plan of action by answering these seven questions:

  • What will be your first step?
  • What do you need to do to get started?
  • What’s holding you back from getting started, and what can you do to overcome what’s holding you back?
  • What connections do you have/need to make this happen?
  • What resources will you need to do what you want to do?
  • When will you have completed what you want to do?
  • How will you measure your success?
  • It may seem like a simple action plan, but it works. Case in point, a friend was told she had a compelling story to share but she just didn’t know how to get started. So, she finally decided to sit down and simply write out one paragraph. She did that one morning and, before she knew it, the first chapter was well underway.

    That’s all it takes. Just getting started. But remember, as you write your story, be sure to answer these questions along the way:

  • Is it communicating what I wanted to share – purpose, passion and personality?
  • Is the tone what I wanted it to be?
  • What additional details would make it more interesting?
  • What do I need to adjust?
  • What’s my deadline for making the adjustment?