Human beings are hard-wired for narrative – it’s how our brains work, how we make sense of the world and our lives. Seventy per cent of what we learn is through stories – so if you want to connect with other people, the most effective way is to tell a story. In some fundamental sense we need stories.
As an individual but particularly as a business owner, one of the most powerful ways of making connections is by using the one tool you have that no one else has – your personal story.
Your story so far is the most valuable asset you possess. No one else on the planet can tell a story like yours. It is your blueprint, your map and the fingerprint of your soul.
And the more personal you make your story – the more authentic and vulnerable you can allow yourself to be – the more universal it becomes.
Telling your story – with all its challenges, mistakes, failures, pain, setbacks as well as its joys, successes and victories – says something about what it means to be human. It opens the space between you and the world, and allows others to unburden themselves of their untold stories.
By sharing our personal story, we allow ourselves to become a witness to our own experience – and in doing so we find the gift in our darkest moments.
I know it’s a bold statement, but I’m going to state it anyway: your story can change the world.
Speak it, write it, share it and miracles will occur.
It’s so true, what you say about us using stories to make sense of the world – I always used to think I was the only one. And I think you’re right to make such a bold statement: your story can change the world. I’m loving “story archeologist” and the new website, by the way!
Thanks for being the first person to comment on my new website, Julia! It’s much appreciated. I’m pleased you agree with my bold statement – and I hope to provide proof of this in the days, weeks and months to come.