“Your Life, Your Story. Get it Right.”

The Longest Introduction

The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve realised that anything - whether it’s a person, a sports team, a country, or even an item - that stands the test of time, has a great story backing it up. Making it still worth telling generations later.

Great examples of this are Kurt Warner, who went from stocking shelves to winning the Super Bowl, Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech as a call to civil and economics rights for African Americans, or the Tutankhamun tomb teaching us about Ancient Egypt. 

The real question is, if we were to look at our lives, would it even be a story worth telling our kids and grandkids? Would it be something that would inspire them, make them emotional, or keep them on the edge of their seats?

Interestingly enough, when it comes to criticising a movie for its plot, casting, setting and conclusion, we have a field day.

“This movie is boring... nothing is really going on.”“Why is he staying in such a toxic environment?”, “How could she not see that they were playing her, it’s clear as day?” “Why is this person not taking any risks?” …

But when you deep it. Imagine if your life was projected on the big screens right as we speak, what do you think the spectators would have to say about it?

Why do we become so complacent when it involves our own lives, our own story? Suddenly, the pacing, storyline and setting doesn’t matter as much anymore, and we start accepting mediocrity.

It’s definitely something worth thinking about when you realise that our time on earth, as any story, has a “fin”.

We’ll go over some aspects that help create a great story and see how it can help us better ours.

 

The plot: Purpose

Every great story has a purpose, a goal, something that the protagonist is trying to achieve. So, what are you working towards in yours? What are you most passionate about or makes you want to wake up every day?

Finding a purpose is essential to shaping your story into something worth remembering. Whether it’s a creative endeavour, a career-oriented goal, wanting to travel the world with intention or anything that just makes you feel fulfilled, gives your story momentum.

Without it, the plot could easily fall flat. We don’t want that.

 

The setting: Influences and surroundings

Just like in movies, settings play a crucial role in our lives. The ability to live the experiences you seek out can depend on the environment you’re placed in (willingly or unwillingly) and the people you surround yourself with.

Does your environment match your dreams?

Some people genuinely feel like the city or country that they’re in doesn’t offer them the opportunities to match their ambitions and in that case moving to a place where they would be able to spread their wings fully, would be the best idea.

Traveling, finding hobbies, or fresh challenges can help in finding where you would fit and be surrounded best.

Because as much as the people around you can lift you up, they can also lift you down if they’re not on the same frequencies as you.

 “If you ever wanna be faster, you gotta run with a bunch of people who are way faster than you. And there's something that happens with us as humans. When you are surrounded by those who are superior in their performance than you are. You’re bound to be lifted up if you’re as ambitious” – Pharrell Williams

 

Growth and Change

In almost every film, show or book, you can see the best characters evolving in some type of way. They start off one way, go through some challenges that make them adapt and change.

In your life, growth is key too. You can’t be stuck in the same mindset, doing the same things, feeling the same things year after year? I mean, if you are feeling pure joy and peace, then definitely continue. You already won at life. But for the others (including myself), it’s really about constantly learning, exploring, adapting and becoming a better version of yourself.

Your story reflects your personal development too. How you’ve been able to overcome struggles, celebrate successes and everything in between.

 

Facing Challenges

“I used to be the most negative person on earth. Some bad happen. “WHY THE F**K THIS HAD TO F**KING HAPPEN TO ME RIGHT NOW”. But they say when you change your perspective, that’s when miracles happen. - Kevin Jerome Gilyard.

There is no great story without a conflict. The trials and tribulations make the triumphs feel even more meaningful. Everyone goes through hardship. The difference lies in how people deal with it, how they assess it and if they decide to keep dwelling or to keep it pushing. Have to start embracing it. Seeing it as a sign that something very beautiful is behind this storm.

Ain’t no setbacks, but cornerstones.

 

Legacy, Legacy, Legacy.

“Generational wealth, that's the key

My parents ain't have shit, so that shift started with me”

While (depending on your age), we think about the end of our story as something distant, it’s important to consider the legacy you’re building every day. 

Some might think “I don’t care about that”. And I hear it. Won’t debate you on that. If you don’t care, you don’t care. But for those who do, let me give you one of the definitions of the word.

Legacy: the long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life.

I believe we’re all meant to bring something to this world in some way or another. And for as little time that we have on this earth, who wouldn't want to be remembered for the good they did. Whether it is for the world, their country, their city, their street, their family, friend or a stranger.

Ending this off with "make your life a beautiful story to tell".