What to Call Yourself
In my workbook, How to Talk to Anyone, I share a formula for sharing your story that invites conversation.
Simply, it is “I’m a ‘blank’ and I’m working on a project about ‘blank.’
I had assumed it would be easy for people to call themselves by a title. I’m a “filmmaker,” “painter,” “entrepreneur,” “visual artist.”
However, I’ve received feedback from several people that they have gotten stuck on the title. They don’t know what to call themselves.
So I have a few suggestions if this is you.
Call yourself what you are working on. I feel like I’ve said this before but if you are working on making your first film, you are a filmmaker. If you are learning to paint you can call yourself a painter. I don’t feel a title has to be earned by success or accolades. You earn a title by spending time doing what you are doing. learning, growing, and intending to continue and complete your work.
Take on multiple titles. These days very few people claim to have one activity or one interest. It is okay to embrace multiple titles. I call myself a filmmaker, video artist and story consultant. I do more than one thing and what I do and what I call myself has shifted over time as I’ve done different things.
You can change your title. If you once were doing films and now you are hosting podcasts, you can change what you call yourself based on what you are doing now.
Try out your title. If you are uncomfortable telling people you are a DJ, try saying it out loud in different situations. Maybe tell a stranger that you are studying to be a DJ. Then tell someone you meet at a party that you are a DJ. Then tell a supportive family member. As you get more comfortable, expand the number of people you tell.
The story you tell others starts with the story you tell yourself. You get to claim what it is you say about yourself, including your title.
There is a power in telling people what you do. From simple conversations you can gain support, encouragement, ideas, and opportunities - all just by sharing a few words about who you are, what you do and what you are working on now.
If you haven’t yet seen the guide, download How to Talk to Anyone, for free.
P.S. If you are in Berlin, I am leading a story workshop on November 20 and 21. I’ll be working with a small group of artists sharing exercising and giving space for you to define your story and get helpful feedback from the group. Click here to learn more.