Craft Your Story For Results: Part 1
What Story Do You Believe?
Our Life Becomes Our Story…
What Story Do You Choose For Your Life?
If you think about it, everything in our life is like a story.
When we hear stories on the news, we get to choose to believe them or not. (Hopefully, people do believe stories based on science!)
We also get to choose what we think about ourselves too. Do we choose to believe negative thoughts, perhaps influenced by those around us, or do we choose to think big?
What story do you want to believe? What story do you really want to live? The root of our stories begins with our beliefs. (And we can change those beliefs at any time!)
My story is a journey of learning self-worth. Growing up in a traditional Jewish home, I noticed that my brothers received a Bar-Mitzvah, but I was told that girls didn’t “need” one. Those words triggered my brain to think that being a girl wasn’t as important.
Strange, isn’t it? One traditional belief affected my attitude about myself. I didn’t even understand its impact. My parents couldn’t figure out why I never felt good enough. As an adult, I studied to become a Bat Mitzvah, which gave me immense satisfaction. I was declaring my own value to myself. A Bat Mitzvah literally means, “Daughter of the commandment.” As an official “adult,” my commitment is to do “mitzvot” – good deeds, and “Tikkun Olam” – to heal the world.
I share this with you because over time, I’ve become sensitive to words — from myself and others. I know our brain is a finely tuned computer. It picks up the energy of our thoughts, and translates those thoughts into feelings, which becomes our belief. Our beliefs can stay with us forever… unless we consciously decide to change.
It took the shocking passing of my beloved mom at the end of 2004 to propel me into a journey of self-discovery. Why was I still alive? What did I want to do while on this earth? How could I make a difference?
The devastating grief affected me physically, until my back gave out with three slipped discs, until I could barely walk. It took an energy healer to eventually ease the pain and bring the discs back into alignment. I suddenly saw in real life how my negative thoughts were physically creating “dis-ease.” With a different belief, I could ultimately heal.
Over time, I’ve learned from amazing world-class thought leaders. I remember finding a book, “Secrets Of the Millionaire Mind” by T. Harv Eker. I was so moved that I decided to travel on my own to Denver to attend a free 3-Day Millionaire Mind Intensive. I never knew you could create your own Millionaire Mind! Those three days were quite powerful.
The underlying lessons from many world-class leaders continues to reverberate.
No matter what happens to us on the outside, we need to care for ourselves on the inside. We are a mental, emotional, physical and spiritual being. To stay healthy, we must take care of each part of who we are.
From the personal development seminars, books, courses and sessions, here are five insights I’ve gained…
Life Lesson #1: We’re all connected. Every thought, word, action carries a vibration and can be felt by others. We get to choose our thoughts. Choose wisely.
Life Lesson #2: Since we’re on this earth plane for a limited time, let us choose to love ourselves. Kindness grows from the inside out.
Lesson #3: You have greatness within you. You can do more than you believe. (And you get to choose what you believe!) Belief becomes reality!
Life lesson #4: Never give up on your dreams. Write down your dreams. Say positive affirmations to reinforce your belief in your dreams. Surround yourself with people who believe in you.
Life Lesson #5: Commit to what’s important to you. Take action. Make the most of your life More positive stories from Difference Makers are needed!
If you’d like to schedule a 15-minute chat, feel free to connect with me at: http://bit.ly/DMM-Chat
How To Get Started With Video Marketing
Creating video has gotten easier than ever.
But a big challenge still remains…
With over one BILLION videos posted on YouTube daily, the — how do you get found?
Here are story marketing tips so YOU stand out from your competition.
- SOLVE A PROBLEM – The trend nowadays is creating a challenge. But a challenge is useless unless you’res solving a problem for someone. So, instead of encouraging people to simply post any video, think to yourself — what solution can I offer my prospect?
- CREATE A CATCHY TITLE — Can you make it emotional? Does it appeal to a specific audience? Come up with several titles for your video or webinar, and do a brief survey with your trusted colleagues to get their feedback. What’s most appealing? Consider using a keyword that ties in with your topic.
- MODEL A SUCCESSFUL COMPANY/PERSON – Who is outstanding in your field? Check out their work and see how you might create a similar video or program.
- MAKE YOURSELF A HABIT – Build trust among your followers by providing value at every step. As you fulfill needs or exceed expectations, your prospects will WANT to tune in to whatever you have to say.
- GET DIRECTION – Distraction can be easy without accountability. Without guidance, the hard way is inevitable. Consider having a coach to move your business forward. Empowerment coaching helps you be accountable.
On the horizon, I plan to create a new Difference Makers Connections Cafe. It will be a chance to learn directly from business leaders from around the country and beyond. What questions would you like answers to? Please let me know.
Now, for more tips on boosting your business through video marketing, check out the article below.
Happy 2019!
Warmly,
Lynn
CHANGE YOUR STORY, CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Do our stories define us or do WE define our stories?
Each day, we’re given a gift — “the present.” So, how do we choose to use those 24 hours? Most of the time, we’re making judgements, aren’t we? Each day, our inner voice is talking to us, a mile a minute, saying positive or negative words that actually subconsciously affect our body.
“That was great!”
“I’m BAD!”
“Why did I DO that?”
“I’m so proud of myself!”
How does that inner voice make you feel?
Your thoughts become feelings, which then affect your actions. I ask you to contemplate your feelings. They are your guide to your inner state. While challenges happen to all of us — WE get to decide our attitude.
How are you affected by the opinions of others? Does someone else’s comments make your day or depress you? There’s a saying, “Your attitude affects your altitude.” It’s so true. You can go farther in life if your attitude is positive. So what do YOU choose to believe about yourself?
Ultimately, the most important story is what YOU say about YOU!
That inner storyteller dialogue is more powerful than you realize. However, once you’re conscious of that inner voice, you can monitor what it says. I’d like to offer some tips in helping you create the inner stories that can change your life. (Everything starts from the inside out!)
No matter what happens — You can change your story!
Imagine your brain is like a giant computer. You’re about to reprogram your brain for success.
First step: Be aware of what you tell yourself.
Second step: Decide what you want to believe about yourself.
Third step: Tell yourself great things about YOU! (You can write down positive affirmations, speak the words aloud, and read something positive every day!)
Here are more actions you can take…
REPROGRAMMING YOURSELF FOR SUCCESS
1. Check out NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming), which involves repeating positive affirmations and tapping specific energy points around your head, face, neck and wrist. (One of my favorite online NLP practitioners is Brad Yates. You can check out his YouTube video for free that has over 559,000 hits on how to get rid of worry and fear!)
2. Create a dream board with pictures and statements of your dreams. Study this board every day, and envision your dreams coming true.
3. Practice meditation and writing gratitude statements in a journal.
4. Learn about Strategic Attraction and how you can attract what you want into your life energetically! (Contact Lynn at: lynn@DifferenceMakersMedia.com)
The key is – FOCUS on what you want… and speak it into the present. Avoid the negatives…
RIGHT WAY: “I am a best-selling author.”
WRONG WAY: “I will be a best-selling author.” (In the future)
RIGHT WAY: “I’m having a very productive day today.”
WRONG WAY: “I want to be productive today.”
5. Share your story and engage with potential followers by getting interviewed on a live streaming video program!
(Yes, I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone. Once you do it once, it gets easier. You have greatness within you… great stories to share… and now they need to be heard!)
What’s live streaming? It’s a LIVE, interactive interview, done from the comfort of your own computer. It’s fun, easy, and inexpensive. Best of all, you can IMMEDIATELY engage live with an audience from anywhere in the WORLD!
Here’s my brand new interview as a guest on my friend Roland’s show, “The Saturday Morning Marketing Smarties.” You can watch, listen to my stories, and see how viewers from around the world commented back.
The world needs to hear YOUR stories of inspiration.
Believe in yourself and share them!
You never know whose life you will touch…
To learn more, visit: https://differencemakersmedia.com. For those who join our list, I’ll send my 7-Step Story Guide to help you become an expert storyteller to grow your business. Contact me about a free story marketing assessment and session at: Lynn@DifferenceMakersMedia.com.
P.S. I’m sharing a special photo from my past… one of our healthcare visits to Ecuador, where I entertained the children in 90+ heat, while they waited for their first-ever dental exam. What an exhilarating experience to be around so many loving people!
HOW DID YOU GET TO BE THE WAY YOU ARE?
Did you ever wonder how you got to be the way you are?
Why do many of us share similar values? Why do others operate on a totally different wavelength? My friends share common traits: having faith, belief and perseverance. Living with a high degree of integrity. Doing what they promise. They’re loving, kind and generous.
So – what makes us who we are?
In a recent conversation with my friend, Carolyn Owens, I mentioned my belief that “children learn what they live.” That’s how we become who are as adults.
“You’ve GOT to write that in an article,” Carolyn said excitedly.
“Really?” (I didn’t think it was so profound. After all, I had read and re-read this poem in our family’s kitchen for years. My mom had posted it till the paper got yellowed.)
“You REALLY think people want to read that?” I asked again.
“Yes – YES!” Carolyn urged me on. I can’t resist Carolyn, so here we are… I never imagined I’d be writing on this topic, but sometimes I think we’re guided to move forward in a new way.
Since many decades have passed since I read the whole poem, I did a little research.
“Children Learn What They Live” was written by Dorothy Nolte and printed in a column for the Torrance Herald in 1954. The poem was distributed to MILLIONS of new parents in BABY FORMULA! (How about that? No wonder mom found this poem!) Nolte’s poem was eventually copyrighted in 1972, and expanded into a book in 1998. At the time of Nolte’s death, this book had more than 3 MILLION copies in print worldwide, and translated into 18 languages!
Now, I suddenly realized the significance of this poem. It has been teaching generations how to raise their children!
Please take a minute to learn from a master teacher. Keep in mind: whatever we do affects our youth. It’s up to us to shape the next generation…
CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE
By: Dorothy Nolte, PhD. (January 12, 1924 – November 6, 2005)
If children live with criticism,
They learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility,
They learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule,
They learn to be shy.
If children live with shame,
They learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement,
They learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance,
They learn to be patient.
If children live with praise,
They learn to appreciate.
If children live with acceptance,
They learn to love.
If children live with approval,
They learn to like themselves.
If children live with honesty,
They learn truthfulness.
If children live with security,
They learn to have faith in themselves and others.
If children live with friendliness,
They learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
Copyright © 1972/1975 by Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D
