Enriching your stories

We’ve talked about the power of stories and where to find them.
Today, lets talk about enriching your stories to inspire others.
Have you ever felt awkward or embarrassed? Haven’t we all?
As a teenager, I seemed to have two left feet and stuttered.
There were times when I thought I would just like to die.
But now I can talk about that with confidence. I overcame it.
That kind of experience makes for a much richer story.
How about mistakes and failures? Stupid choices?
The opportunity you let go and someone else made work?
What about those who influenced you and helped you?
How has their example and advice made a difference to you?
What about the fascinating people you been privileged to meet?
How about exotic places you’ve been? Experiences you’ve had?
What about your successes and failures and what you learned?
These experiences and lessons empower your stories.
They make indelible impressions on others. They inspire them.
Two of my favorite storytellers were my father and grandfather.
Their stories of growing up in earlier times fascinated me.
Years later, I’ve realized what an impression they made on me.
Only as an adult did I come to appreciate the lessons they taught.
Your stories will make powerful impressions on others, too.
The best stories share your dreams, goals and great purposes.
Share those with others. They will help you achieve your dreams.
For more on your own great purpose, please click here.

Finding your stories

We’ve talked a lot about the power of stories to motivate others.
But what stories do you choose that will have that power?
Powerful stories illustrate powerful principles and points.
Develop an an awareness and look for stories everywhere.
Start a story file in your computer or a notebook.
Write a short outline of the story and the point that it makes.
Listen carefully when friends tell you their stories.
Mine your own past experiences and what they taught you.
These may include personal challenges you faced.
Difficult decisions you made. Good and bad choices and results.
Obstacles you and others have had to overcome.
My stories tell about Jimmy, our illiterate pressman.
About our son David and his learning difficulties.
About my own mistakes and the prices I paid.
Before turning in tonight, write one story in your notebook.
Then tell that story to someone you care about.
Tell it to others. The more you tell it, the better you tell it.
With practice, you will embellish it, polish it, enrich it.
Now add a story to your notes that a friend told you.
Practice telling that story. Polish it. Enhance the point it makes.
These ideas come from Suzanne Bates’ "Motivate Like a CEO".
Good book worth reading. More about this next time.
For help with your leadership, please click here.