Everybody has a story.
As Benjamin and Rosamund Zander say in the book Art of Possibility, it’s all made up anyway.
Your story is certainly inspiring to others. You have been there, done that, and now you can help or teach others.
But don’t get too caught up with your story. Some of it, as it turns out, is only interesting to you and your mother or spouse. Keep your stories short and to the point. Besides, we both know it…admit it: your story changes over time!
Remember, WIIFM, what’s in it for me? Always write with the reader in mind, and never forget that you don’t need to share every detail.
Focus on the learning points. But do tell stories, lots of them. Along with quotes by famous people, stories are a great way to keep the reader interested.
Some people are good at turning the mundane into a teaching story. Last night I had a conversation with Andrea Lee, of Multiple Streams of Coaching Income. I asked her a question, and she proceeded to tell me how she used one of those round-wheeled pizza cutters at dinner.
She made a mess out of cutting up the pizza, and she realized she hadn’t been decisive enough, hadn’t held the cutter down with enough determination. So her point was, things are easier once you are clear and determined in your actions.
She held listeners attention by telling a mundane story to make her point. You gotta love it…
How can you write and teach by using everyday events in your life? It requires an exquisite attention to details and an observation of your own thinking.
Of course, more obvious inspiration comes from big stories and life-changing events. But stories can come from the simple things, the everyday events as well.
Inspiring others comes more from being real and authentic. There are universal experiences that everyone can relate to. Your own experiences and stories will tap into your readers’.
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