Are you a private person reluctant to share details about your life?

Are you concerned that sharing too much will make you look unprofessional and without boundaries?

If you answer yes, I get it. I felt the same way.

Over the years, I have learned that sharing my story can impact the life and dreams of another.

Somehow, our stories connect us.

Why?

Here is this week’s mindset tip: Our vulnerability fuels excellent stories.

I remember the first time I shared the story of when I felt publicly humiliated by my grade one teacher. You see, my family had recently immigrated from Trinidad, and my accent and skin color became a reason for the kids to tease and bully me after my teacher claimed that I was not pronouncing any of the words correctly.

I started the day confident I could read, so I volunteered to read in front of the class. However, standing at the front of the class, frozen in place with tears running down my face, I soon came to regret that decision and vowed never to do it again.

Every time I share that story, audience members identify with how I felt and reconnect to their past feelings of embarrassment. Many feel compelled to share their story with me, often wanting to know how I overcame my fear of public speaking.

“There is a difference between vulnerability and telling people
everything about yourself. Vulnerability is a feeling.
Telling everyone about yourself is just facts and details.”
– Simon Sinek

Whenever I put pen to paper or present my work to an audience, I feel vulnerable and tempted not to share.

However, I now know that what gives my storytelling power differs from my triumphs and successes. Instead, it is sharing my most vulnerable moments — my experiences of loss, grief, self-doubt, fear, failure or even shame.

Being vulnerable and authentic while telling a story gives the audience insight into my challenges and disappointments. It provides a glimpse into the lessons and personal growth needed to achieve success.

When I find the courage to be vulnerable, my stories provoke an emotional reaction in the listener. Taking them on a journey that allows them to identify and emotionally connect with me, the characters in the story.

My vulnerability makes my brand relatable because my audience, the people I am trying to communicate with, also struggle.

No one likes to feel alone in their struggles. Stories create a human connection. They created a common ground for us to relate and talk about stress, insecurity, feeling foolish after making a mistake, and fear when trying something new.

It is time to craft your story. Trust me when I say someone is waiting to be touched, moved, and inspired by who you were required to become on the journey that created your story.