Walt Disney spent his life building a kingdom of films and theme parks.
He had vision
and talent
and creativity
and charm
and perseverance.
He also had a narrative that pulled it all together.
As early as his teenage years, he was telling people that one day he’d be a world-class storyteller. He promised that he would build a place where parents and children could have fun together. And he expressed a determination to prove the doubters wrong.
He had a story in his head, and he was the hero.
As a result:
- When he created motion pictures, he was completing the story he’d started in his head.
- When he created theme parks, he was fulfilling the expectation he’d already set for himself.
- When numerous experiments failed along the way, he discounted them as obstacles he already expected to encounter.
A story carries you through the ups and downs, and it brings isolated events together with a meaningful narrative.
We all tell stories – about ourselves and about the world. But few people tell stories that propel them forward as much as Walt’s.
Next week I’ll open the doors to a workshop where we identify, refine and enhance the stories you tell yourself, so you can write one where you’re the star.
Who do you look up to?
What draws you to their story?
What does that say about the story you want for yourself?
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