Change Your Story, Change Your Life

Our stories define us. Also, our personality is a composite of the stories we tell ourselves. So, who are you? What is your life's purpose? What is your life's central theme? Is it possible that the stories you have been telling yourself are holding you back and preventing you from living a more productive and satisfying life? If so, this "Change your story, change your life" article may prove helpful.

In his book "Unbeatable Mind," Mark Divine tells the story of two twins and the different paths they took in life due to the stories they each told themselves. According to the story, an author was writing about the achievements of one twin who clawed his way out of poverty and depression to achieve great success. The reporter asked the man, "To what do you attribute your accomplishments?" He responded, "I had no choice, you see. I had to find a way up and out because my father was a horrible alcoholic and abused me and my brother - I knew that if I didn't work hard and seek a better life, I'd become just like him." Curious about the fate of the other twin, the reporter tracked him down. He found him destitute, living on the streets. The reporter asked the same question. The response was, "I had no choice, you see; I was doomed because my father was a horrible alcoholic who abused me and my brother. I didn't stand a chance."

Imagine that! Two brothers from the same home; one a success, the other a failure. Simply because of the story they each told themselves. So, what's your Story? What have you been telling yourself? What have you been believing about yourself? Maybe it's time to rewrite your story so that you can live the life you envisioned for yourself. Here are three ways to rewrite your story.

Acknowledge your current story 

We all have a history and have been shaped by life's many experiences. There's no doubt that the effects of social conditioning have impacted your belief system and the way you view life. Maybe the life you are now living is a composite of what others told you. Is it possible that you are living the life someone told you to live, even though that's not who you want to be? Whatever the case, it is essential to acknowledge your current story, or you will be unable to change it. As vulnerability expert Brene Brown correctly puts it, "When we deny our stories, they define us; when we own our stories, we get to write the ending." 

See yourself as the author

To change your story, you must see yourself as the author of your life. This approach means being proactive, stepping out of the victim role, and accepting that you are the architect of your destiny. Being the architect of your destiny is about realizing that you have choices and can decide how your life will end by taking the necessary steps to create a new version of yourself.

Change your story

Playing an active role in your life is crucial to your achievement. Hence, taking responsibility for your destiny and designing a life that reflects the person you want to become is paramount. Also, playing an active role in your life means creating a meaningful, empowering, and authentic story. Such a story will serve as the foundation for a life of fulfillment, satisfaction, and meaning. As you do so, remember the words of George Eliot, who said, "It's never too late to be what you might have been."