I don’t know how many of you follow Chris Brogan, but let me recommend you do so. I have been reading his blog, newsletter and watching his videos for some time now and have learned an incredible amount from him. The thing I love about this guy is how personable and transparent he is. The Internet has swung favor back into the court of the good guys. It is allowing genuine people to shine; those that have a heart for service, genuinely care about others and have a willingness to help.

In Chris’ latest newsletter (click HERE to read), he suggested doing the following exercise. In a nutshell, he is telling us that we need to create our own scripts. We need to be able to tell our own stories. Too often people aspire to be like someone else. It is so important for us to be ourselves, and learn to be authentic. If we try to be like everyone else all the time, or even try to please everyone all the time, how can we ever figure out who we are? And more importantly, how can we learn to become better and figure out where we want to be in the future?

I copied Brogan’s  script into this blog post, and I am going to go through and fill in the blanks. I want to encourage you to copy the script and fill it out for yourself. All my answers are in BOLD. If you decide to do this exercise, be sure to read the entire newsletter so you can do it in context with Chris’ entire message.

Your Story is Important

In figuring out your script, let’s start with the story of you. Have you done this lately (or ever)? Want an easy way to start?

* My name is Brian Tercero. I was raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a place known for its culture, food, art, its lifestyle. When I was growing up, I never quite felt appreciative of living in Santa Fe. I used to think that I’d grow up to move away to some big city, but that’s not how it turned out. Instead, I finished college, moved back to Santa Fe and started building a life in my hometown.

* Over the last few years, I’ve felt challenged by not living up to my true potential. It always seems like people around me settle for less then they are truly capable of, but not me. In my world, I find myself dreaming big, I feel a stirring in my heart and soul that I am supposed to be doing something that could influence a large number of people for the better instead.

* Thinking about the next several months, I want to make a change. I want to think more about making a positive impact in my own life so I can then impact others. I might not want to forget about where I am at right now, the experiences I have had or the wonderful people I have met and who have helped me along the way, but I’ll try and turn it around and focus on where I want to be, and how when I get there I will be able to help even more people a bit more than the other stuff.

* Lastly, when I look back on how things went in six or eight months, I hope I can say that I took my shot. I want one of the most special people in my life, My Wife, to say this about me: “You did it! You did exactly what you wanted to do, you succeeded in doing what others are too afraid to even try, you took your shot and you followed your heart! Now look at all the people you are helping.” That’s when I’d feel really good about things, no matter what else happens.

Take a few minutes (not now, but when you have a moment) and try filling in this story. Be honest about it. Be open. You don’t have to show any one. (Though, if you want to share, I’d gladly read your story. Just reply to the email, and you and I can keep it to ourselves.)

Let’s see what comes of it.

Interesting exercise… Thank you Chris Brogan!