What is the STORY you are telling yourself?

Dear Friend,

You are a storyteller. 

How do I know this?

Because you are constantly telling a story to yourself about yourself.

We all are.

That’s how we make sense of our lives.
That’s how we shape our identity.
That’s how we create meaning.

Question is what is the STORY you are telling yourself? 

Dan McAdams of Northwestern University found when it comes to shaping our narrative identity, there are 2 kinds of stories we can tell – a redemptive story or a contamination story.

A redemptive story is usually a transition from bad to good, and is marked by key lessons, insights and hope.

For example, you lost your job but then that led you to introspect and change your career path for the better.
Or, you grew up in poverty, but that helped you shape your values around hard-work and humility.

McAdams found people who are driven to contribute to society and to future generations, are more likely to tell redemptive stories about their lives.

On the other hand, a contamination story is one in which people interpret their lives as going from good to bad.

For example, a relationship ended and now you are miserable. Or, a friend hurt you and you simply cannot let go and forgive them.

People who tell more contamination stories are more likely to be anxious and depressed, as they struggle to make sense of their lives.

Here is the good news: you get to choose what kind of story you tell yourself.

Time and again, people who believe their lives are meaningful tend to tell more stories defined by growth and agency.

So, what kind of story are you telling yourself? Write back and let me know!

As always, please forward this to anyone in your network who could also benefit from these weekly nuggets, so they can sign up for the newsletter here.

Warmly,
Bhavna Toor
Chief Mindfulness Officer
Shenomics