By Bernard Kelvin CLIVE
Are you a storyteller? The average person might instinctively say, “No!” However, the truth is that we all are, in our unique ways. Every day, we weave narratives in our minds, conversing with ourselves. These internal stories are not trivial; they are the subtle levers that can steer significant changes in our lives and businesses.
Think of it this way, the narrative we create internally impacts our perceptions, influences our decisions, and, ultimately, determines our success or failure. It is not just about the stories we tell others, but also about the stories we tell ourselves. These internal conversations can be empowering, instilling confidence and propelling us ahead. On the other hand, they can be restrictive, causing us to doubt ourselves and feel gloomy.
In business, this self-talk is important. Entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals encounter several challenges that necessitate not only strategic thinking but also a resilient mindset. The stories individuals tell themselves about their abilities, values, and potential can either propel them to new heights or keep them stuck in mediocrity.
Today, I want to share with you the stories we tell ourselves, our perspective, perceptions, and their impact on our lives.
When my kids were quiet young, my two girls had storybooks to read. The older one, who was learning to read more fluently, would take her time to read the words, trying to absorb, understand, and enjoy her book. She would sit by me as I walked her through the reading process. She was excited about reading, but she needed time to pronounce each word correctly, often looking at the images only after she had read the text. She would then tell me the story, flipping through the pages and recounting what she had read.
The younger one, on the other hand, had not yet started learning how to read words but was familiar with her letters. She was captivated by the images in her books. She would flip through the pages, crafting her own stories based on the pictures she saw. Even though her stories sometimes had no bearing on the actual narrative of the book, she was excited and imaginative, interpreting the images in her unique way. She would tell these stories with enthusiasm, flipping the pages and sharing her versions with everyone around her. Her stories, though different from the book’s, were more exciting to her, and she enjoyed sharing them with her mom, siblings, and me.
This experience with my daughters made me take a step back and reflect on what it teaches us as adults in life and business. The stories we tell ourselves could be more important than what is happening around us. My younger daughter’s stories were not about the actual content of the book but about her perception and imagination. She crafted a narrative that excited her, regardless of the original story. This teaches us that our perception of situations, our interpretations, and the stories we tell ourselves are paramount.
As adults, the situation around us might differ from our perceptions, but how we interpret these situations impacts our lives significantly. What stories do we tell ourselves about our current circumstances or future aspirations? The stories we create shape our thoughts, destinies, and lives. Just like my young daughter, who crafted her tale to excite herself, we should do the same in our lives. Despite the challenges we face, in business or personal life, the stories we tell ourselves can empower us and shape our future.
In business, for example, the circumstances might be tough, but what story do we tell ourselves? Do we focus solely on the current hardships, or do we project a more empowering narrative about the future? Just like my older daughter, who took her time to map images with words to understand the story fully, we sometimes focus on one aspect of our business or brand without considering other exciting possibilities. We should look beyond the immediate challenges and craft a positive, empowering story about our brand’s future.
When facing difficult times, let’s not be dictated solely by the current situation. Instead, let’s enjoy the process, find joy in the journey, and project a more positive outcome. The journey might be tough and challenging, but by crafting an empowering narrative, we can navigate through the hardships more effectively.
Our perceptions, the stories we tell ourselves, and the narratives we create about our lives and businesses are vital for our future success.
Now, let me share with you four key unique lessons from this story:
- Hone Your Unique Perspective: My younger daughter saw the images and created her own story. Similarly, in life and business, we should craft our unique perspectives and create narratives that resonate with us, and that will provide more hope. This personal touch can add excitement and motivation to our journey.
- Find Joy in the Process: You see, life and business can be very tough, so we should deliberately make time to find joy amidst all that. Watching my daughters enjoy their storybooks in their ways reminded me of the importance of finding joy in the process. Whether it’s in business or personal growth, enjoying the journey makes the challenges more bearable and the successes more fulfilling.
- Adapt and Innovate Along the Journey: Things may not always gas planned and expected, so learnt to tweak, adjust, and innovate along the way. My older daughter’s method of learning by focusing on words before images teach us the importance of adapting and innovating. In business, we might need to change our strategies or approach to better understand and navigate our circumstances.
- Talk to yourself – Tell Empowering Stories: The most important lesson is to tell ourselves empowering stories. Be your cheerleader, your encourager. The narratives we create about our lives, businesses, and future aspirations can either uplift or hinder us. Choose to tell stories that empower you, fuel your passion, and propel you towards your goals.
So, take a moment to reflect: What story do you tell yourself about your brand, business, and life in the current situation? Think about that and craft a narrative that empowers and excites you, just like my younger daughter did with her storybooks.
I hope this helps.
I’m your personal branding and publishing consultant.
Bernard is a leading authority on personal branding and digital book publishing in Africa. With over a decade of experience in digital publishing, he has been a trusted consultant for entrepreneurs, pastors, and individuals looking to build their brands and write their books
. To learn more about Bernard and his work, visit www.BKC.name. WhatsApp: +233244961121
