Daily Leadership Thought #157 – Everyone’s Life Is A Novel

We are always in the process of writing the story of our lives.

When you pick up a good work of fiction, it draws you in. You embark on a journey alongside the protagonist as they navigate through various challenges and obstacles. You also take pleasure in their triumphs, including when they find love and/or happiness. It is also inspiring when they achieve some level of resolution regarding significant life issues. Just as in books, everyone is the hero in their own story. The sole distinction lies in the fact that your narrative is perpetually evolving, with the conclusion yet to be penned.

We all have good chapters and bad ones. Sometimes, the sections are short and uneventful. At other times, stories can be long, deep, and significant. There are always turning points in the story where we make critical decisions, and the consequences of these decisions are played out. We are sometimes riding the wave of good fortune and happiness, while at other times it feels like the wave is crashing over us, and all we can do is tread water and swim. Difficulties are an inevitable part of life.

There is a fundamental difference between a work of fiction and our stories. We are the authors. There is no more subjective experience than living one’s own life. We get to decide how it all turns out. It may be cliché to state the obvious; however, it is not what happens to you, but how you respond to it that matters. In addition, a life can be lived reactively or proactively. I have met many people who understand this reality, and they have become the architects of their destinies. Sadly, many more people seem to get mired in a life of mediocrity and disappointment.

What chapter are you writing right now? Are you taking control of your life, or are you letting events control you? Are you in a pivotal period where vital decisions need to be made or simply enjoying a time of contentment and incremental progress? Are you transitioning to something new or embracing a time of reflection and growth?

How do you want the story to end? What are you doing to achieve these outcomes? Believe it or not, once you reach adulthood, your life is mostly of your own making. I encourage you to dive deep into the writing/living process. Ensure you fully assume the role of the protagonist. Good and bad things can and will happen; however, in the end, it is your actions, character, and judgment that will make all the difference.

Related articles

• Who am I? (gointothestory.com)
• The hero’s journey (gilshalev.wordpress.com)