People root for heroes. That's why we read great books, go to the movies, and celebrate our favorite athletes.
WE BELIEVE:
Think about your favorite character in a book or movie. Then, imagine we asked you to list the 10 most important moments of that character's career, in chronological order and with the specific outcomes they accomplished at each of those moments.
In all likelihood, you'd stumble. You may be able to list some of the big accomplishments, but you'd inevitable forget some others, and would likely skip the intangible qualities that make this character your favorite. And if you were to ask someone else the same question about this hero, they may have a different answer entirely. This is likely what would happen if someone were asked to talk about you based only on your your resume.
Now, imagine we said to you: "Tell us about your favorite character and why you think they're the best." You'd probably answer with something that sounds more like a story and less like a bullet point list. You'd include a few high level details of the big things they've accomplished, but also probably include details about how this character works and solves problems. You'd talk about how they overcame adversity and how they make you feel. You'd talk about how you believe that they can accomplish anything that's put in front of them because you've seen them handle things in the past. You'd even advocate for this hero, wanting the person listening to agree that yes, this character is great. This is what happens when you have a Personal Career Story that frames you as the hero.
When you're the hero, people don't fixate just on the specifics of what you've done. They focus on what makes you, you and simultaneously begin to feel invested in your success.
SOMETHING WE LOVE:
Can't imagine being the hero of your own story? This quote from Rebecca Solnit can help you get started:
"We are all the heroes of our own stories, and one of the arts of perspective is to see yourself small on the stage of another's story."
YOU SHOULD TRY THIS:
Leaning into exaggerated exercises and activities can kick start your thinking about how you can be the hero of your own career. Spend 3 minutes (no more, no less) coming up with 10 names you could use if you were truly a super hero. Try to focus half of your ideas on tactical skills you possess (uniquely creative sales pro, ingenious chef, endlessly productive copyrighter), and half your ideas on intangibles (insatiably curious, notoriously optimistic, unshakable problem solver).
Hungry for more?
Listen to this week's podcast to dive deeper into being the hero of your own story.
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