Your Story is Not Your Bio

Over the past year, I’ve been a little bit obsessed with storytelling. 

I haven’t been watching films or television. I’ve been listening to podcasts about artists, makers, doers and looking at how the most interesting stories are told. 

I feel like so many people struggle with telling their story. And when they do tell it, often people start at the beginning, their own ‘once upon a time.’

But we are no longer in a ‘once upon a time’ world. We’re past beginnings and want to jump to the point.

I found something common across the best told stories. 

They all offer a vision.

 It is the point of why this person is talking, why the business exists, and why you might want to connect.

YOUR STORY ISN’T YOUR HISTORY. IT IS YOUR VISION.

And honestly, I think your story is the foundation for success. Here is why.  

IT HELPS YOU WEATHER STORMS.

Knowing who you are, what you are doing, and why you are doing it helps you weather many storms. It is a touchstone that gives you the gumption to move forward when you face setbacks. If you know your mission, you can take these setbacks as an opportunity to get curious and find new pathways, rather than a signal to give up.

YOUR VISION HELPS YOU MAKE ALIGNED DECISIONS.

Every day you are faced with decisions. When you have your vision you make better decisions -regarding opportunities you take, who you spend your time with, what you spend your time doing.

We sometimes must navigate tricky waters. Recently I had to decide if I took an opportunity from a company. I didn’t believe in what they stood for. The opportunity involved a substantial amount of money but their values didn’t align with my values. I decided if the money was enough to move my projects forward and I had the opportunity to share my message with the company’s audience I could go forward. Knowing my vision helped me stick to my values and move forward with confidence that I had a reason to give up the money if it didn’t work out but I didn’t feel I compromised if I did take the money.

YOU CONNECT WITH MORE OF THE RIGHT PEOPLE.

Your vision is like a signal. You tell the world, this is what I believe. This is what I stand for. Are you with me? Let’s discuss, hang out, break bread together.

And more of the people you want to spend time with want to spend time with you when your visions connect.