If your life to this point was published as a novel, what would the title be? Do you have regrets? Things you are proud of? Moments you treasure and that feed your soul when you need them? Moments that are pushed to the back of your mind to protect yours
elf from pain?
Each one of us is living our own unique narrative. A typical story arc in writing is composed of the following:
- There is a main character (often referred to as the “hero”)
- There is something that character wants
- There is a crisis, obstacle or complication that must be overcome to get it
- There is resolution
We will find ourselves repeating this arc throughout our entire lives. The details of the arc might change, but our experiences follow the typical story arc pretty closely.
What happens when the hero of a story doesn’t know how to overcome their obstacle? Or even discover what it is they really want? Often an author will create a character to act as a “guide.” The guide does not take over the narrative or usurp the hero role but acts as a support and mentor to the hero, enabling them to accomplish their mission. One very excellent example of this is found in Star Wars – A New Hope. Our hero is Luke Skywalker. He wants to be a Jedi and fight the dark side of the Force. One of the obstacles to this mission is that he does not know how to use or control the Force. The character of Yoda steps in and becomes his guide. Yoda does not “rescue” Luke or perform Luke’s tasks for him. Instead he guides Luke to the answers he already has inside him.
What makes a story worth telling? Riveting, flawed characters who are redeemed before the resolution. A “mission” that has deep purpose. A crisis or obstacle that others can relate to and requires deep struggle.
Your life is your story.
Where are you in your current narrative? Are you still searching for your mission or purpose? Have you reached an obstacle that is hindering you from finding resolution? What do others see when they “read your story?”
My purpose as a coach is to be your Yoda. Are you ready to live a story worth telling? Pick up your pen and give me a call!