Chapter 1: The Dilemma of Sharing Your Story

In the realm of personal growth, a compelling question arises: should you publicly document your journey of self-improvement or should you keep it private, focusing solely on your progress? This inquiry ultimately leads to the core question: "How do I wish to narrate my story?"

For a deeper dive into this topic, feel free to listen to my podcast that elaborates on these ideas with various examples.

Let's consider a scenario.

Imagine you've decided to enhance your health and fitness. You embark on a comprehensive diet and exercise plan.

Option 1: You choose to take your followers on this journey, exploring various dietary methods such as the Mediterranean diet, Keto, or intermittent fasting. You share both your triumphs and setbacks: the moment you resisted the urge to snack at a networking event versus the time you succumbed to frustration and devoured an entire pint of ice cream. Over the course of eight weeks (or longer), you update your audience regularly, although significant progress may not be immediately visible.

Option 2: You begin your journey in solitude, maintaining a journal where you candidly document your daily emotions. After a set period, you share the results and reflections on your experience. This presents your story as a completed narrative.

Which approach is superior?

First, consider the objective of your narrative. Are you aiming to connect with your audience or educate them? Is your story congruent with the services you offer?

Additionally, think about whether your story aligns with your brand identity. For instance, if you are a role model, a detailed, step-by-step account may resonate well. Cindy Bidar, a guest from a previous podcast, exemplified this by sharing her move from Michigan to Arizona, tying it into her business transition.

Conversely, a celebrity may find their audience interested in every aspect of their life. Educators or innovators, however, may not typically invite followers along their journeys unless they have cultivated a strong community. In such cases, the focus would be on presenting achievements rather than the process.

Second, be mindful of potential pitfalls!

When you publicly embark on a journey, you expose yourself to the risk of failure. For example, if you announce a diet but soon realize it’s unsuitable, or face unforeseen challenges like illness. For some, the fear of public failure serves as a motivating force, compelling them to persevere despite difficulties. This ultimately depends on personal judgment.

Third, from a storytelling standpoint, it's crucial to ensure each step of your journey conveys a narrative.

For instance, if discussing diet and exercise, you might frame each week around a theme, such as "this week's temptation" and "this week's victory." In a podcast context, you could narrate the journey of securing a guest, crafting questions, and delivering the final episode.

Lastly, contemplate shifting focus from your own journey to highlighting your clients' experiences.

This can be highly effective, but it also means relinquishing some control, as clients may drop out or discontinue participation at any time.

Ultimately, the choice lies with you. While live storytelling carries inherent risks, it can yield powerful insights. In contrast, reflecting on completed stories grants you control and the opportunity to weave a cohesive lesson from your experiences.

For additional insights on storytelling, visit my website: http://CathyGoodwin.com

What approach do you prefer when sharing your journey? I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments.

FREE report: Discover the three common storytelling mistakes entrepreneurs make and the one straightforward solution to rectify them. Click here for immediate access.

Chapter 2: Engaging with Video Content

In the video titled "How To Share Your Instagram Story With Specific People," you'll find valuable insights on tailoring your social media narratives to engage specific audiences effectively.

The video "How To Be A Pro With INSTAGRAM STORIES" further explores techniques to enhance your storytelling skills on social media platforms.