In so many of my coaching sessions, the issue of clients knowing what they want always goes hand in hand with knowing who they are. This is especially true for those who struggle with fear and anxiety which holds them back from the life that they dream of.

Although you might be thinking, “Of course I know who I am!” the reality is that most people have created a ‘story’ about themselves, an ongoing ‘screenplay’ about who they are and what they are capable of.

For those who struggle with anxiety, the story is almost one of living in a world that is safe and free from risk-taking. In fact, it is impossible to achieve your absolute best in any area of your life unless you possess an effective and powerful answer to both questions of want you want and knowing who you are .

What could possibly stand in your way?

Look in the mirror and you will see your biggest enemy staring right back at you, telling you the story about why life is so dangerous, or how it seems like you have always failed, or how you are just not enough to become more successful.

The story you tell yourself often implies that maybe you don’t have what it takes to achieve your dreams.

On and on the story goes. A story many years in the making!

I can hear it now,

“Ladies and gentleman, here is the Story of a person who desired to become successful, who yearned and dreamed of accomplishing amazing things! Yet, a sad Story of never having enough money, or ideas or opportunities, of someone raised by critical parents and who lacked the confidence to overcome obstacles and who is trapped by fear after fear.”

Does this sound at all like your Story?

You see, we all have a story that we tell ourselves about who we are. It isn’t “if” we have a story, but whether we allow our Story to define us – to create a small world of mediocrity and safety. The saddest part of the story, however, is that we allow it to limit who we could be. “That’s just who I am” becomes “What else can I expect out of myself?”

It feels final. There is no movement, no room to grow, change or create.

It is a guarantee of a mediocre life – of not creating the unique music, art, writing or business that resides within your authentic self.

Becoming fearless, bold and outrageous in your pursuit of amazing things is built upon changing your Story, of not tolerating the narrative you have heard inside your head since childhood.

So, I ask you, “What is your Story?”

What have you mentally ‘written’ about yourself that you project to the world? If your Story was a screenplay, would it inspire others to incredible heights or invoke feelings of pity towards the main character (you)?

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” ~ C.G. Jung

The good news is that your Story is not a ‘thing’ or a static description of permanence. It is alive and is either holding you back or pushing you forward.

Your Story can create energy and purpose or it can seek the comfort of what is already known. It can stifle the wide-eyed wonderment of a child whose early Story was told in one sentence, “I am somebody who goes for it.”

As Pete Townsend of the rock group The Who screams, “Who are you? Who? Who? Who? Who?”

Yes, you CAN rewrite it. It is time to toss out that sad, inhibiting, creativity choking Story that you have clung to for most of your life.

I encourage you to begin rewriting your Story.

Today.

Question: What have you been telling yourself, within your personal Story, that has kept you from creating amazing things? What would your pursuits look like if your Story began to change? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a Comment by clicking the Comment box above.