The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Rewriting the Narrative of Opportunity

I once wrote on my calendar: We ready. We lookin’. We out. It was a declaration, a mantra that I could see every day, reminding me to keep pushing forward. But even as I penned those words, there was a story I kept telling myself—that things would get better, that opportunities would come flooding in.

Sound familiar?

We all have stories we hold onto. Some are affirming, and others, let’s be honest, hold us back. For me, this story about future opportunities carried a hidden expiration date—a quiet, nagging thought that my moment to shine might pass me by.

Here’s the thing: stories are powerful. They shape what we believe about ourselves, what we think is possible, and even how we show up in the world. But not every story serves us.

The Power of Reframing

When I speak to audiences about rewriting their narratives, I’m not talking about sugarcoating reality. It’s about examining the beliefs that shape your actions and deciding whether they still align with who you are becoming. Are you holding onto a story that’s expired? Or worse, one that was never meant for you?

Writing “we ready” on that calendar wasn’t just optimism—it was a challenge to myself to step into the driver’s seat of my story. To stop waiting for the world to hand me an invitation and start creating opportunities with my name on them.

Your Story Shapes Your Legacy

In every keynote I deliver, I remind people that their story isn’t just for them—it’s for everyone they impact. Whether it’s your team, your family, or your community, your narrative influences how others see what’s possible for themselves.

So, take a moment today to reflect. What story are you telling yourself? Is it one of possibility, resilience, and agency—or is it a story that’s holding you back?

Rewrite it. Your opportunities aren’t sitting on some far-off horizon; they’re waiting for you to show up and claim them.

So get ready, start looking and get out of your own way to reshape the stories that can change your life.