How Stories Inspire Us And Limit Our Potential

Stories are tools that we use to explain and relate to the world around us. Storytelling is a means to convey and understand new perspectives by appealing to a common ground using empathy. Stories are crafted using frameworks deeply coupled with our emotional processing, which is why great stories resonate so well. 

Rocky’s comeback, Maverick’s redemption, and the reveal of Luke Skywalker’s father - all of which lead to frisson (goosebumps), which is a physical manifestation of our emotional response to the story.

Stories inspire us to be great. Think of an incredibly moving pregame speech that motivates players to perform at epic levels. These words are well organized and delivered with a specific cadence to influence an outcome.

 Stories can be limiting, too. Especially the ones we tell ourselves about who we are and what we are capable of accomplishing. This is the voice that whispers “I can’t do that” or “I’m not creative enough”. These stories emerge with the same formulas that provide positive outcomes, but these internal narratives can be difficult to ignore. 

So, how do you know when an internal narrative is limiting your potential? 

It's not easy because you are the narrator, the author, and the audience. You defend the things you create. It’s natural. Be mindful of this particular human tendency. Really listen to the core of the story. Push around its validity, just like questioning a bad plot in a movie. Is it really true or is the narrative built as a convenient crutch to protect yourself from failing? Or is it an echo from an external narrative that you are merely using as a shortcut? The only way to know is to create some space and explore it with unbiased curiosity. Remember your defaults and how they can mislead you in these situations. 

Convert your thoughts into objects. Objects are far easier to digest, organize and connect to other objects. Your connected objects generate meaning, unlock understanding and help identify purpose.

What’s been on your mind lately? Take a few minutes to write it down. Remember, this is not a product you have to finish, or a test that receives a score. Just land a few words together in a notebook. Do it again tomorrow. See how these objects can be connected. Do it because you deserve to explore these ideas. Enjoy the process of understanding what makes you tick. It could even help inform a decision you’ve been struggling to make. Either way, don’t stress about the output. You win just by doing it.