FEBRUARY 26, 2021
Every person has their own story to tell. “What is YOUR story?” When I meet people for the first time and as soon as introductions are over, I usually like to ask where they are from, where they have been in their career, their family, and some of their history. MOST people like to share their story but I find that many are embarrassed to share much information about themselves. What are they running from or what are they hiding? Why are they unwilling to share about the most important things in their lives unless they feel insecure about WHO they are in life. That is OK with me. That just means I need to dig deeper into showing them how they project to others but yet how important THEY are as a person. First impressions are often lasting impressions so it is easier to see those people who are comfortable with themselves and with others. Ms. Teri often scolds me for digging too deeply as she is one who is more reserved and laid back. My only goal is to find some common ground, seek understanding and not judgment, and work from there.
Everyone loves a good story. Stories tell us WHO we are and can motivate us to connect with others, (or not) animate our reasoning process, give us permission to act, fire up our emotions in a positive manner, and give us pictures of who we aspire to be. Stories are really just US. Regardless of what “plot” each of our stories may follow, deep down, we all want one thing. We want our lives to matter and we want our stories to be of significance.
“To be significant, all you have to do is make a difference with others wherever you are, with whatever you have, day by day.” John Maxwell. This starts by living each day intentionally. When you intentionally use your everyday life to bring positive change in the lives of others, you begin to live a life that matters. This can happen with your spouse, your children, your friends or your co-workers. Isn’t that what we all want in life? If that is true, why doesn’t it happen to everybody? It is YOUR choice to be prepared to tell YOUR story. Make it a good one and interesting so that others can relate to and find common ground.
Most people want to hear or tell a good story. But they don’t realize they can and should BE the good story. This requires intentional living. People who live intentionally jump into action and live the story themselves. Albert Einstein used these words; “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” I believe that most people see so much evil and injustice in the world around us, that they become overwhelmed. “The problem is too big for us to tackle.” “What can I do?” “I am just one person.” If that is the case, go find a Mentor, a Coach, your own Band of Brothers or Women of Worth and make things happen.
What a GREAT start….YOU! One person can act and make a change by helping another. One person can inspire a second person to be intentional, then another, then another. Those people can work together (Teamwork) and be their own movement. They can make an impact. We should never let what we cannot do keep us from doing what we CAN do. Being passive does not become a meaningful life. It only requires action and NOT excuses.
If your story is not meaningful or compelling as you want it to be, you can change it. You must take the action necessary to change your thinking and your intentionality. Each day, you are the one writing your OWN story. SO, write things down. Write your Vision. Write down your goals. Write down your strengths and blind spots in life. Look for the opportunities and navigate the threats. (SWOT) That way, you can see where you are now and where you want to be in the future.
Everyone of us has great value and a great story to tell. Don’t be passive and not tell your own story just because you think you don’t make a difference. By reaching out to others and helping others, you are already significant.
Have you thought about what you want YOUR life story to be? Go be interested in somebody because they are waiting for you to be interested in them.
Elevator Guy