Story of the Week
A lot of people know my origin story, but if you don’t, here it is in a single sentence:
Architect loses his dream job, struggles to find himself, discovers entrepreneurship, and — after letting go of who he thought he was supposed to be — finds success.
When I first started sharing my story online, that’s kind of how I told it. I brushed over the story quickly, thinking it wasn’t as interesting as the lessons I learned and the insights I could share to help people.
In 2014, however, when I started to deep dive into the world of public speaking and storytelling, I learned how to tell my story the right way — and everything changed.
I got a lot more attention. I was invited on more podcasts, featured in major publications, and even appeared in a few TV spots — just because I told my story differently.
I converted casual listeners into superfans who retold my story for me because they connected to it differently.
And that’s the key: connection.
What I shared above in bold is not a story, it’s just the facts.
But when I lean into the emotions of what I went through — like when I describe the gut punch I received when my boss told me the news, or when I describe how moving back in with my parents felt like my life was moving backward — those are the human elements that go beyond the facts. They create a real connection to the people who hear them.
And when you can nail your origin story, you show your audience that you're human too. You've struggled, you've failed, you've felt lost — just like them. And if you can overcome those challenges to find success, so can they.
That shared humanity builds trust in a way that no list of credentials ever could.
I recently led a storytelling workshop inside of the SPI Community, but I wanted to offer a high-level overview of what makes a great origin story.
First, let me address something important: You don't have to have something horrific happen in order to have a great origin story.
Many people believe their story isn't compelling because they didn't face extreme hardship or overcome massive obstacles. But that's simply not true.
Your story doesn't need tragedy to be powerful. What matters is authenticity and the emotional journey that brought you to where you are today. Even subtle shifts or gradual realizations can resonate deeply when told with honesty and heart.
Here are the key ingredients that make up a memorable origin story. As you read them, think about your own journey, and which elements you might need to strengthen.
The Ingredients of a Great Origin Story:
- Contrast: Show how things were before versus how they are now. The bigger the contrast, the more compelling the transformation.
- Emotional Honesty: Don't just tell us what happened, tell us how it felt. The knot in your stomach when you received bad news, the lightness you felt after making a decision.
- Sensory Details: Use specific, vivid descriptions that put us in the moment with you. Instead of "I was nervous," try "My hands trembled as I opened the email."
- Vulnerability: Share the moments of doubt, fear, or failure. These are what make you human and relatable.
- Turning Points: Highlight the decisions, realizations, or events that changed your direction — no matter how small they seemed at the time.
- Universal Truth: Connect your personal experience to a broader human truth that your audience can relate to.
- Personal Voice: Tell your story in your authentic voice, not how you think a "storyteller" should sound. Let your natural personality shine through — your humor, your thoughtfulness, your quirks. The unique way you see the world is precisely what makes your story worth hearing. When you embrace your distinct voice rather than mimicking someone else's, you create something impossible to replicate: a story that could only come from you.
- Purpose Connection: Link your journey to the work you do now and why you're uniquely positioned to help others.
Remember, a great origin story isn't about impressing people with what you've overcome — it's about creating a bridge that connects your journey to theirs, illuminating a path they couldn't see before.
Your story is the key that unlocks doors for others.
Now, I challenge you to carve out 30 minutes this week to excavate your own origin story. Write it down. Speak it aloud. Feel where it resonates and where it falls flat. Embrace the discomfort — that's where the magic happens.
You’ve got this.
