Strong
Stories

You are the main character in your own story. The moments, events, people, places, and experiences in your day to day become part of your stories. But why do some stories impact us more than others? Let’s find out!

Strong Stories

Skill
Creativity
Time
30 min
Materials
Pen + Paper
Bookmarked
Bookmark
download worksheet
STEPS
1

Everyday, we write a little bit more of our stories — from the actions we take, to the people we spend time with, and the things we learn along the way. Start by thinking about your story for the past decade of your life. What would it look like if you mapped it out? Download this worksheet and draw a line that represents the highs and lows of the past 10 years.

2

Label the highs and lows of the past decade with the moments that felt like significant stories in your development. If you are having trouble thinking of stories, see if these prompts spark any highlights:

REFLECTION PROMPTS

  • A time you felt proud.
  • A moment you surprised yourself.
  • An experience that changed you or your view.
  • A challenge you overcame (or didn’t).
  • A time you learned something new about yourself.
  • A transition where you changed your story.
3

Looking at your map, some moments might feel big and had a large ripple effect on your story. Others may have been small, but stuck with you for one reason or another. Jot down 3 big moments and 3 small moments that have stuck with you for one reason or another.

4

Pick one life story that you want to dig a little deeper into and break it down (either in this template or in a journal). These questions are the hallmark of any good story, including your own.

REFLECT

What was the challenge?

How did change happen?

Why does this story  matter to you?

MARK AS COMPLETED
COMPLETED
Take a look at our habits below!
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HABITS

Get to the heart of your story

What’s a story that’s important for you to tell? What is it about this story in particular that makes you want to tell it? Identify that burning belief that drives your story— this is the essence of it. Center your story around developing this theme and finding the ways to convey this message.

Cut to the chase

When it comes to storytelling, less really is more. Practice telling a quick story in this format: Once there was ___. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___. Simplify the content and skip detours. You’ll feel like you’re losing valuable stuff, but it will help drive the important parts home.

Connect the dots of your life

Life is full of stories, big and small. Chart some life events that stand out to you as important. How might these stories fit together? Where do you see common themes running throughout? Find the common thread that connects your stories and helps you weave together the narrative you want to tell.