I was recently asked to tell my story in less than five minutes. At my age, there’s a lot of years to that story and five minutes isn’t long. I really had to identify those defining moments and narrow the focus.
If you haven’t worked through telling your story in a short window of time, I highly recommend it. If you honestly work through that process and listen to that story, you will hear your story. Not only that, but you will also hear who is at the center of your story.
Many of us will talk about our family. Our time and focus may revolve around our kids. Travel sports, competitions, and activities may dictate our schedules and drive our days.
For others, it’s our job. Our career is a huge part of our life and commands the most hours in our day. We spend years striving to advance it and then invest so much to protect it.
Some of us might focus on an illness we overcame or a sickness we continue to struggle with to some degree. There may be some other significant event that had a huge impact on us.
We may even talk about our hobbies, our sports interests, or our dreams for the future.
It’s your story. There is no right or wrong thing to include in your story, but your story does tell a story.
The more I listened to my story and listened to what I was saying, the more it became apparent that my story was really God’s story of grace in my life.
· There were tough times where God intervened at the perfect time.
· There were areas that I was interested in, and God showed up in a very real way.
· There were times of uncertainty, and God provided direction.
· There were periods of need, and God provided.
We can ask ourselves what the center of our story is, but the real question is who is at the center of our story. The “what” at the center will ultimately be directed to a “who”.
In the middle of the famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made the comment that we should lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven and not on earth. Jesus said our treasure will reveal where our heart is.
Our story tells us a lot about our treasure and thus a lot about our heart.
Who is at the center of your story?
Why not take a few minutes and work through that exercise? In less than five minutes, tell your story.
It might be the best investment you make this week.
It’s your story!
Doug provides professional speaking and coaching services to organizations and individuals. Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build a team culture, feel free to reach out to Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.
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