We all have stories to share.
Each of us have experiences and lessons learned that we can use to motivate, impact or warn the youth in our programs.
Often times, the best way to reach youth, build relationships or illustrate a point is with a personal story. However, use your personal values and professional boundaries to guide your stories.
Stories often create imagery and connection to or about a subject. Steve Jobs shared three personal stories to motivate during his commencement address to Stanford. Jesus used parables to make philosophical ideas, concrete. Oprah uses stories to affect change.
It’s also important to encourage youth to share their stories with each other. Sometimes, having someone their own age, or very close to it, sharing their experiences can help them work through their own issues. Youth may need help and support to share their stories, so take the time to practice being open with one another, sharing your stories with them and encouraging them to share their stories with each other.
One of my own stories
Perseverance and Team Work
I’ve had the opportunity to undertake 3 big physical challenges in my life.
In high school, I hiked 52 miles of the Appalachian Trail. In 2007, I ran the London Marathon. And just a month ago, I completed the Tough Mudder.
These events have all impressed on me the importance of perseverance. When the first three miles of the hike were straight up, I was ready to quit. At mile 19, I was ready to quit. Underwater in the ‘Chernobyl Jacuzzi’ (Warning; Upper Male Nudity. No, I’m not in this video. Yes, that is ice.), I was definitely ready to quit.
I’ll be honest, I’m not always the best at training. In each instance I did enough to complete the task, but always wished I’d done more. What really got me through was team work. Every time the urge to quit rose within me, I had a team of friends who helped get me through.
In high school it was the 2 other girls, Katie & Carolyn, in our team of mostly boys. In London it was my friend T-Co, who walked beside my little jog/run at mile 19. In Tough Mudder it was my husband (Stephen) and best friend (Mary) who pushed me to overcome my fears and push beyond what I thought I could do.
Surrounding yourself with a group of people who are committed to seeing you succeed will help you persevere through any obstacle. You also have to make the inner determination to not give up. Eminem (Warning: explicit lyrics in link) had it right when he said “you only get one shot, don’t miss your chance to blow, opportunity comes once in a lifetime.”
There are times when you just have to make a choice. A choice to keep walking, keep running, keep moving. Keep growing. Keep living. Keep trying.
Question: What story will you share with your youth? Share your story in the comments below.
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