You're Thinking Too Small About Your Life Story

"Stories are the most powerful weapon in a leader's arsenal." - Howard Gardner

When I sat down to write my first book, I thought I had it all figured out. 

I was wrong. 

Like most first-time authors, I focused on the big moments - the victories, the milestones, the stuff that looked good on paper. But something was missing. The story didn't have the punch I wanted, and I couldn't figure out why.

It took me a while to realize that the problem wasn't with the story itself but with how I was telling it. I was too focused on the surface-level details and completely missed the heart of the narrative. I wasn't digging deep enough. And if you're anything like me, you might be making the same mistake.

Here's what you need to know.

If you want your book to resonate, to truly leave a mark, you've got to go deeper. The surface-level stuff might get you started, but it won't carry you through to the end.

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Surface-Level Writing Is Forgettable

You want your story to stand out, right? 

Then you need to go beyond the surface. The biggest mistake you can make is to only focus on the highlights of your life - those easy-to-remember moments that everyone else would see, too. Sure, you overcame some big obstacles. Maybe you started a business from scratch, survived a personal tragedy, or achieved a dream you never thought possible.

But here's the thing…everyone has those moments. 

They're the low-hanging fruit of your life's story. And while they're important, they're not enough to carry a whole book. Readers are looking for more than just a list of accomplishments. They want to know the gritty details - the struggles you faced, the doubts you had, the mistakes you made along the way.

Instead of just writing about that time you won the big deal, dig into the sleepless nights leading up to it. Talk about the times you failed miserably before you finally succeeded. Be specific. What did failure look like for you? Did it mean losing a big client, getting humiliated in front of your peers, or facing financial ruin? 

That's the stuff that sticks with people because it's real, it's raw, and it's relatable.

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Successful Authors Think Long-Term

The best authors aren't just thinking about what happened - they're thinking about why it matters. 

They understand that a great story isn't just a collection of events; it's a narrative that ties those events together into something meaningful.

You need to ask yourself: What's the bigger picture here? Why does your story matter in the grand scheme of things? How can your experiences help someone else who's facing a similar struggle?

Here's what to do next: Take a step back and look at your story from a distance. What's the common thread that runs through your experiences? Is it resilience? Innovation? Perseverance? Once you've identified that, you can start to weave it into every part of your book.

For example, if your story is about overcoming adversity, don't just talk about the big challenges. Show how that theme of resilience played out in smaller, everyday situations. Maybe it was the time you kept pushing forward even when everyone else told you to quit, or the time you found a creative solution to a problem no one else could solve. 

These are the moments that will resonate with your readers and make your story memorable.

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Ignoring the Bigger Picture Weakens Your Story

Here's a hard truth…if you're not considering how your story fits into a larger context, you're missing the point. 

A book isn't just about you - it's about what your story can teach others. It's about the impact it can have on someone else's life.

Too many aspiring authors get caught up in the idea that their story alone is enough. But the reality is, without a clear purpose, your book will lack direction and fail to connect with readers. You need to think about how your story fits into the bigger picture - what's the message you want to convey? What do you want your readers to walk away with?

Here's how to do it: Start by identifying the key lessons you've learned throughout your journey. What have those experiences taught you about life, business, relationships, or whatever else your book is about? Once you've nailed that down, think about how those lessons can be applied to your readers' lives. Make it clear why your story matters to them.

For example, if your story is about starting a business from nothing, don't just talk about your successes. Talk about the specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Show your readers how they can apply those same lessons to their own lives. Maybe it's about the importance of persistence, or the value of taking risks, or the power of believing in yourself even when no one else does.

When you frame your story in a way that's relevant to your readers, it becomes so much more than just your story - it becomes a guide for others to follow. And that's the kind of impact that will last long after the last page is turned.

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Will You Step Up, or Play It Safe?

So, here's the million-dollar question…are you ready to dig deeper, challenge yourself, and write the book your story deserves? 

Or are you content to play it safe and settle for a surface-level narrative that no one will remember?

Your story is unique, but that doesn't mean it'll automatically stand out. You have to put in the work to make it resonate. You have to think beyond the obvious and explore the deeper meaning behind your experiences. Only then will your book have the impact you want it to have.

If you're serious about writing a book that leaves a legacy, that changes lives, and that people will still be talking about years from now, then it's time to step up. Stop thinking small. Start thinking big. And if you want to learn more about how to do that, sign up for my newsletter, The Outlaw Writer. It's where I share the raw, unfiltered truth about what it takes to write a book that actually matters. 

Don't miss out - your story is worth it.