Create your own narrative.

Create your own story.

In 1995, I was interviewing for what has become a very successful and fulfilling career.

Up to that point, through my entire life, I never felt I was good enough. I always felt inferior and doubted that I could succeed. So much so that I remember going into tests, job interviews, and more thinking that I would likely not get it. Only to be surprised when I did.

When I began the process in 1995 at my prior firm, I remember sitting in the final interview and hearing their thoughts about me. Telling me about the process I had gone through and what comes next. Immediately thinking to myself, I didn’t get it. Only to find out, I did.

I was getting that chance – the chance to succeed and be a part of something.

But then I failed the insurance exam…twice!

Eventually I did pass despite many doubters (often including myself).

Eventually I even found some success in the insurance business.

Then came 1998. I needed to get into the securities business. The world was changing and we needed to become holistic – sell all the legs of the financial planning stool. This would be necessary to continue on in the business.

So I went ahead and failed the securities exam(s)…TWICE, too! Completely fulfilling all of the negative thoughts I had about myself and my ability to succeed.

Then I did succeed. Again. Proving those around me wrong. I finally passed the exams on the third and FINAL shot.

But…Still not proving myself wrong.

You see, the story you tell yourself and that you choose to believe is the only true story. Whatever those around you think about you is more about them than it is about you. That’s actually part THEIR story, not YOURS.

Remember that, as your story has yet to be told.

So why do we often choose to make our stories negative? Why not positive as a default? Why not be a leader? Why not be successful? Why not be…. HAPPY?

Choices.

Tell your story. Believe your story and let others know your story.

And never let someone else make the rules about how your story ends. (Or begins.)

That is – and always will be – up to you.

-J.D.