The Story We Tell Ourselves

Lead us From Victim to Victor

What is it about stories that captivate us so deeply? Why do we find ourselves drawn to the act of sharing and receiving narratives? It’s because stories hold a unique power — they serve as bridges, connecting us, allowing us to relate to one another on a fundamental level. This is a truth I’ve come to realize, not just in the world of literature, but in the intricate tapestry of human interaction.

However, there’s a cautionary aspect to this narrative force. It’s in the stories we repeatedly tell ourselves, the narratives that play like familiar records in our minds. Consider, for instance, the prevalence of victimhood in our daily tales. Social media, that sprawling digital landscape, is rife with such narratives. “They said I couldn’t do it, but I’ll show them,” goes the common refrain. Why does this resonate so widely? Because it’s relatable. Yet, herein lies a subtle trap — it perpetuates a victim mentality, not the mindset of a victor.

Take, for example, a personal story of mine. Imagine a holiday scene, the family gathered, a discussion about technology unfolding. I boldly claim that house phones will soon be obsolete, overshadowed by the burgeoning era of cell phones. This idea is swiftly dismissed by my in-laws. Fast forward a few decades, and my prediction holds true. But there’s a catch to this triumphant tale.

In recounting this story, I reveled in the image it painted of me — a visionary, ahead of my time, while casting my in-laws as out of touch. But in truth, I wasn’t the hero; I was, subconsciously, the victim. It was a self-serving narrative, framing a scenario of me against them — but who truly benefited from this story?

This realization struck a chord. What if I had been the one to create Uber, Airbnb, or any groundbreaking tech platform? Then the story would transform from a petty personal victory to a powerful tool of inspiration. But as it stood, it was a narrative that no longer held value for me. I no longer saw myself as a victim.

This brings us to a profound realization — we are the authors of our stories. If we don’t like the script we’ve been following, we have the power to rewrite it. We can choose to cast ourselves not as victims, but as victors. It’s a challenge I pose to you: examine the familiar stories you share. Who are you in these narratives? Are they tales of sympathy, casting others as villains, or are they stories of triumph and growth?

Let me know if this was helpful and if you plan on using this approach in your social media strategy.

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