The power of telling your own story
I have always been sceptical of people wanting to tell their life’s stories. This may sound odd given I’m just spent thirteen months getting a book which contains 25 such stories from glimmer of idea to number one on Amazon. “Turning Points: 25 inspiring stories from women entrepreneurs who have turned their careers and their lives around” has caused in me something of an awakening on the subject.
I know that being a Brit influenced my reticence to speak about myself and that this norm doesn’t exist in other cultures. I suppose that meant I was suspicious of people’s motives when they wanted to ‘let it all hang out’. But having gone through the process not only working on my own story but with 24 other amazing women entrepreneur/authors, I am convinced of the power contained within a well told, relevant story which has a clear and positive purpose. It isn’t simply an ego trip.
Whilst there may have been additional objectives, the primary motive of all the “Turning Points” authors was a desire to share their stories in the knowledge that they might help others going through tough times of their own; the stories show our determination and our courage but above all how human we are and readers can identify with that. I’m a coach and work with women who are at Turning Points in their own lives and some of them now choose to work with me because they have some idea of what I’ve gone through. They resonate with the path I took and my philosophy of ‘never give up’ as this is what they are seeking for themselves.
We like to hear stories from real people about real situations (isn’t that why reality TV is so popular?). I used to keep my story hidden from most people, after all my disability doesn’t affect my ability as a coach but I can see now that in the sharing of our journey, we can aid others on theirs and we don’t have to descend into complete self-exposure in order to do so.
Long may we continue writing the stories of our lives and inspiring others.
kate@movingforwardyourway.com www.movingforwardyourway.com
If you are interested in “Turning Points” you can order by clicking below or visit www.theturningpointsbook.com
