Who Are You and Where You Are Now? OWNING YOUR STORY Pt. 2
As you navigate your journey towards purpose-driven entrepreneurship and a fulfilling professional life, it’s crucial to pause and take inventory of where you are right now. Who are you in this moment, and how do you see yourself within your current circumstances?
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
Understanding your identity—your strengths, challenges, values, and the experiences that have shaped you—is the foundation of your personal story. This self-awareness allows you to recognize not just where you are, but where you truly want to go.
Welcome to part 3 of the OWNING YOUR STORY article series, a 6-part comprehensive publication that helps you dive deep into the power of your narratives as an entrepreneur and how to leverage it in your business and professional life.
See also Owning Your Story: 5 Powerful Lessons from Bryan Stevenson on Identity, Advocacy, and Impact
OWNING YOUR STORY is A Five-Step Transformative Journey to Reshape Your Professional and Business Narrative for Success!
Know Where You Stand Today
In the first article in this series, I shared my personal story with you and how I found a deeper meaning and purpose behind what I am doing today. In this second article in the series, you will learn how to take a deeper dive into your current situation.
By reflecting on where you stand today in your personal and professional life, you will gain invaluable insights into your strengths, challenges, and opportunities.
The key objective of this article and the signature training program from where it was extracted is to guide you through a comprehensive self-assessment, helping you lay the groundwork for uncovering the stories that define who you are right now.
So, make sure that is clear to you as we go through the different tips and strategies in the publication.
Consider Going on a Self-assessment
Now, to understand your current situation, start by reflecting on your personal and professional circumstances. Take a step back to assess where you stand in various aspects of your life.
Consider your achievements, ongoing projects, and any challenges you are currently facing. This introspection allows you to gain clarity on your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
The reason for your self-assessment exercises is to identify what sets you apart and what areas you can improve upon to move forward.
Next, delve deeper into your present by creating a personal timeline. Chart out significant events and milestones that have shaped your journey so far. Reflect on the decisions you have made, the challenges you have overcome, and the lessons you have learned along the way.
You might also like to see Owning Your Voice as an African Diaspora – The African Diaspora Storytelling
This visual representation of your history provides valuable insights into how you have evolved over time and what factors have influenced your current situation. Finally, you will need to conduct a SWOT analysis to systematically:
- Evaluate your current state.
- Identify your strengths
- Know what sets you apart,
- And acknowledge your weaknesses and areas to improve on,
Another benefit of your self-assessment is to understand what your competitive edge is. Do this by exploring different growth opportunities, as well as potential threats or challenges that may hinder your progress. You don’t want to underestimate that.
I would like to point out that it’s perfectly fine if through your self-assessment you discover challenges that may be hindering you from owning your story.
In fact, that is why we are talking about it, and we will consider the tips and strategies for effective self-assessment later in this article series. But first, let’s examine some of the challenges that often hinder people from owning their stories.
What Are the Challenges That Hinder People?
And talking of potential challenges that may hinder people from owning stories in businesses and professional life, there are a lot of them. Let’s consider 5 and how they usually manifest:
Fear of Vulnerability
One of the primary challenges that may hinder people from owning their stories is the fear of vulnerability.
The truth is that sharing personal experiences and challenges can make individuals feel exposed and susceptible to judgment or criticism from others. And this can lead them to withhold or downplay some aspects of their story.
Do you want to own your story and leverage it in your business? Take this quick self-assessment survey to find out.
Perceived Lack of Relevance
Some individuals may struggle to see the relevance of their personal experiences or background to their professional endeavors. You can learn more by checking out “Own Your Story” our signature program which offers a structured path to success in less than 90 days.
They may therefore underestimate the value of their unique story in shaping their identity perspective, and approach to work.
Maybe this is not your specific situation. But it’s still important you understand this can lead to overlooking opportunities to leverage the story as a source of authenticity and differentiation. What about imposter syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome, the feeling of being undeserving of success or accomplishment, can undermine individuals’ confidence in their abilities and achievements. People experiencing imposter syndrome may downplay their accomplishments and hesitate to share their stories. They do this, fearing that others will perceive them as frauds or imposters.
See also How To Advance Your Career As A Woman In The Academia – Dr Kimberly Adams Tufts
Cultural or Societal Stigma
Cultural or societal norms and expectations may discourage individuals from owning their stories, particularly if their experiences deviate from traditional or mainstream narratives.
According to different studies, such factors as gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background can influence how individuals perceive and share their stories. And this is sometimes based on the pressure some feel to conform to prevailing norms or stereotypes.
Lack of Self-Reflection
Finally, a lack of self-reflection or introspection can hinder individuals from effectively owning their stories.
Now, this is the point. Without taking the time to explore and understand their personal experiences, values, and motivations, individuals may struggle to articulate their stories compellingly and authentically.
What this translates to, particularly in business and professional endeavors is that it can limit your ability to connect with others and harness the power of storytelling to your advantage.
As I have said before, do not beat yourself up if your situation sounds familiar to what I have just described because it’s normal. But what is not normal is allowing these situations to permanently limit you.
Before talking about some of the ways to overcome these challenges, let me share two instances with you. The intention is so you can realize you are not alone, and hopefully get some inspiration from their stories.
Examples of celebrities to learn from
In the early stages of her career, the singer-songwriter faced a formidable obstacle: stage fright. Despite her undeniable talent, Sheryl Crow found herself grappling with anxiety and apprehension when it came to performing in front of an audience.
Sheryl Crow And Her Stage Fright
Sheryl admitted that in the biggest part of her early career, she just didn’t want to see the audience at all. “I became like a shoegazer,” she added, reflecting on her struggle to connect with her audience due to her fear.
However, adversity often catalyzes growth and transformation. For Sheryl, a pivotal moment came with her diagnosis of breast cancer. In the face of this life-altering challenge, she gained a new perspective on her performances and the purpose behind them.
See also From Startup to Success: Leveraging the Power of Your Narrative in Business Growth
“There was a moment where I realized that what we do isn’t necessarily all about us,” she explained. “It’s about the eye contact…, the electricity or whatever it is in the room that moves perfect strangers. That is what music does,” she concluded, recognizing the power of connection and shared experiences in transcending fear.
As you consider your own challenges, I want you to see Sheryl’s journey as a powerful reminder that facing fear and adversity can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper understanding of your purpose.
By embracing the bigger picture and recognizing the impact of your actions on other people, you can find the courage to overcome challenges and authentically own your story.
This is because, in the end, it’s not just about conquering fear—it’s about finding meaning and connection in the face of adversity.
Here is another story to inspire you irrespective of what you might be going through inside.
How Will Smith Overcome His Fear
In a daring move to celebrate his 50th birthday, actor Will Smith decided to confront one of his deepest fears head-on: skydiving. Gathering his family for what would become an unforgettable adventure, Smith embarked on a skydiving expedition, determined to overcome his apprehensions.
Reflecting on this milestone moment during an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” Smith shared the exhilaration he felt in facing his fears.
“I’m really confronting all the things that I have ever been scared of and I’m just finding this really exuberant freedom in life,” he revealed, embracing the newfound sense of liberation that came with challenging his limitations.
For Smith, the experience of conquering his fear proved to be profoundly transformative. Drawing parallels between fear and its inhibiting effects on happiness, he spoke candidly about the corrosive nature of fear.
“What I discover is how cancerous fear can be,” Smith remarked. “You can’t be happy if you are scared,” he added, underscoring the detrimental impact of fear on one’s ability to fully embrace life’s joys and opportunities.
What kind of opportunity do you want to let go by not challenging yourself and owning your story?
See also The Fatal Mistakes Killing Your Audience Engagement: Are You Guilty?
You see, you cannot let fear hold you back, you cannot. I mean, don’t let fear incapacitate you because there is a purpose, a unique purpose to your life. We will talk about purpose and life mission later in this article series. So, look out for that.
In sharing his skydiving experience, Smith emphasized the importance of facing fear as a crucial component of living a fulfilling life. He emphasized that confronting fears is not merely about seeking thrills or adrenaline rushes but about reclaiming a sense of empowerment and seizing the precious moments we are given.
Through his courageous leap into the unknown, Smith exemplified the transformative power of overcoming challenges and embracing life with open arms.
Of course, I am not saying you should go skydiving because your limitations and fears are most likely different from those of Will Smith. So, the way you address them is going to be different.
How To Overcome Your Fear and Limitations
Overcoming fear and limitations is a transformative journey that leads to personal growth and achievement. Consider the following remedies if you want to address your fear:
Embrace Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness
Self-reflection and self-awareness are critical in overcoming challenges that may hinder individuals from owning their stories. By taking the time to reflect on your experiences, emotions, and behaviors, you will gain a deeper understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, fears, and motivations.
This process helps you identify the root causes of your challenges and develop strategies to effectively address them. Here are some practical steps to consider:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness or meditation to become more attuned to your inner thoughts and feelings. This can reduce stress and enhance your ability to cope with challenges.
- Seeking Feedback: Ask trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues for honest feedback about your strengths and areas for improvement. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives and help you see things you might have overlooked.
Build a Support Network
Another approach to consider is a support network. Having a strong support network can be instrumental in overcoming challenges.
Surrounding yourself with positive, encouraging individuals who understand and believe in your journey can provide emotional support, practical advice, and motivation when you need it most.
See also The Power of Networking for African Diaspora Small Business Owners
A support network can also offer different perspectives and solutions to problems you might not have considered. What are some practical steps to leverage a support network? Well, consider the following:
- Mentorship: Find a mentor who has experience in your field or has overcome similar challenges before. Their guidance can help you navigate obstacles more effectively.
- Peer Groups can also help: Join or form a group of peers who are also working on owning their stories and overcoming challenges. Sharing experiences and strategies can be mutually beneficial.
- Do not forget professional help: what I mean by that is to consider seeking help from a coach, therapist, or counselor if you are dealing with significant personal or professional challenges. These professionals can provide tailored support and tools to help you overcome obstacles.
What about situations when people don’t even know what fears are holding them back? The truth is that many are not aware of the source of their fear and therefore cannot face them as suggested by Smith. But there is a way to find out and it starts by analyzing yourself.
Yes, you heard me right. You need a good SWOT analysis of yourself. Now here are some effective ways to conduct a SWOT analysis on yourself. I recommend that you pay attention to every one of them:
Engage in Reflective Journaling
Reflective journaling is a powerful tool to gain deeper insights into your current situation. To do this correctly, set aside time each day to write about your experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Use specific prompts to guide your journaling, such as:
- “What are you most proud of in your current role?”
- “What challenges are you currently facing?”
- “What opportunities are available to you that you haven’t explored yet?”
When I was in Nigeria, the concept of journaling wasn’t very familiar to me. However, just before I moved to Europe in 2004, I bought a small journal, or what you might call an address book, in Lagos. On my journey to Europe, I began jotting down my thoughts in that little book.
As time passed, what started as a simple habit turned into a profound practice. Three years became ten, and then approaching twenty years + in Europe. Every time I revisit the ideas I wrote down when I first arrived, I experience a different kind of feeling.
This simple act of recording my thoughts on paper has been instrumental in all my endeavors, including my documentary project about the presence of Africans in Northern Italy, and everything else I have accomplished to date.
This is what I came to understand: having an idea in your head is one thing but putting it down on paper is another. Revisiting those written ideas brings about something magical. For me, reflective journaling has been a powerful tool in uncovering my authentic story.
See also Reconnecting The African Diaspora Through Storytelling – The Diaspora Storytelling Series
I believe this can be the same for you too. Through daily journaling, you can uncover patterns, clarify your thoughts, and gain a clearer understanding of your present state.
This practice not only enhances self-awareness but also helps in articulating your story more effectively. Here are a few tips to consider for effective Journaling:
- Write consistently, even if only for a few minutes each day.
- Be honest in your reflections.
- Revisit and review your journal entries to identify recurring themes and insights.
How About Identifying Your Unique Strengths?
Do you know what you are good at? Entrepreneurs and professionals in search of deeper meaning often possess unique strengths that can be derived from their personal experiences, skills, and expertise.
In conducting a SWOT analysis, it’s crucial to identify these strengths accurately. This may involve reflecting on your professional accomplishments, personal qualities, and areas where you excel most.
By recognizing your unique strengths, you can leverage them to differentiate yourself in the market and attract the right audience who truly resonates with your authentic story.
Acknowledge Areas for Growth
In addition to identifying your strengths, it’s also important for entrepreneurs and professionals to acknowledge areas where they can improve or develop further.
This may include gaps in your skills or knowledge, the challenges you face in your current endeavors, or limitations in your resources or networks.
By honestly assessing these weaknesses, you can take proactive steps to address them, whether through further education, skill development, or seeking support from mentors or collaborators.
Another thing you will understand is that acknowledging areas for growth allows you to strengthen your positioning and better fulfill your mission in the long run. That leads us to another important point, opportunities for impact.
Explore different Opportunities for Impact:
Always remember this: it’s not just about the money but the impact you can make on other people’s lives.
The truth is that real entrepreneurs and professionals seeking deeper meaning in their work are often driven by a desire to make a positive impact in their industry or community. Therefore, in conducting your SWOT analysis, it’s essential to explore opportunities for growth and impact.
This may involve identifying emerging trends, unmet needs in the market, or areas where your unique strengths can be leveraged to create higher value.
By identifying and seizing these opportunities, you can align your work more closely with your personal mission and attract an audience who shares your values and aspirations.
You might also consider checking out Owning Your Voice as an African Diaspora – The African Diaspora Storytelling
Also, never forget that by exploring opportunities for impact you can create a more meaningful and fulfilling career path. You might be wondering: should you really go that far? Of course, you should. Now let’s consider a few reasons in case you are not yet convinced.
The importance of conducting a SWOT Analysis
By understanding your current situation through self-assessment, and SWOT analysis, you can easily gain a comprehensive view of where you stand and therefore set the stage for meaningful growth and progress in the steps ahead. This was extensively explained in “Own Your Story” our signature program which offers a structured path to success in less than 90 days.
Understanding your current situation is crucial for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking deeper meaning behind their work because it helps them to better attract the right audience with their personal and professional stories.
By reflecting on your present circumstances, you can identify the values, passions, and motivations that drive you. This self-awareness forms the foundation for crafting authentic narratives that resonate with your audience on a deeper level.
Think of leveraging your strengths and addressing your weaknesses as a powerful approach to self-recreation.
This is how you can position yourself more effectively in the market and attract the right audience who truly resonates with your authentic story. That is why this approach is important.
Conclusion on Who Are You and Where You Are Now
Congratulations on completing the second part of the article series, the Transformative Journey to Reshape Your Professional and Business Narrative for Success.
In this first step, we focused on understanding your current situation—an essential foundation for uncovering the deeper meaning behind your work and connecting authentically with your audience.
Throughout this article series, you have taken significant steps in reflecting on your present circumstances, identifying your strengths and areas for growth, and gaining clarity on what truly matters to you.
See also Celebrating African Diaspora Heritage: An Insightful Conversation with Loretta Green-Williams
By embracing your current reality with honesty and openness, you have set the stage for profound personal and professional transformation. Remember, knowing where you stand today is crucial for navigating your path forward with intention and purpose.
As we move into part 3, prepare to explore your history, and take a moment to acknowledge your progress and the insights you have gained along the way. This self-awareness is a powerful tool that will guide you in crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience.
Stay committed to this journey and keep your heart and mind open to the possibilities ahead.
Yes, be reminded that you are on the path to not only attracting the right clients but also creating a meaningful and impactful legacy. That is what we are here for.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
