What you think is reality is just your story about reality.
That story—the one you've been telling yourself about who you are, what you're capable of, what's possible for your life—is the filter through which every experience passes.
And here's the uncomfortable truth: Most of us have never actually looked at that filter.
We keep running the same program, expecting different results.
The Story That Runs Your Life
Right now, you have a story about yourself. Maybe it's "I'm not good with money" or "I'm not a natural leader" or "I'm just not the kind of person who..."
That story isn't neutral. It's a search engine, constantly scanning for evidence that confirms what you already believe about yourself.
The story you tell about your past becomes the ceiling for your future.
If your story is "I'm not good at public speaking," you'll avoid opportunities, minimize the times you actually did well, and stay stuck in that identity.
If your story is "I'm not disciplined," you'll quit at the first sign of difficulty because that's what "undisciplined people" do.
Your story doesn't just interpret your experiences—it determines which experiences you'll even allow yourself to have.
The Filter You've Never Examined
Here's what's insidious: Your story feels like truth because it's backed by evidence. You can point to specific examples that prove you're "not a morning person" or "terrible with technology."
But you're not seeing the evidence that contradicts your story because your story taught you not to look for it.
The person who believes they're "not creative" will dismiss their problem-solving moments as "just common sense."
The person who believes they're "not good with people" will minimize the deep conversation they had yesterday as "well, that's just with them."
Your story is the bouncer at the door of your awareness, deciding which experiences get in and which get dismissed.
The Exercise That Changes Everything
Want to see your filter clearly?
Complete these sentences:
Complete these sentences:
- "I'm the kind of person who always..."
- "I'm naturally good at..."
- "I could never..."
Write down what comes up. That's your story.
Then ask yourself: "What would I do differently if I believed a different story about myself?"
What if you believed you could get better at the things that matter to you?
What if you believed your past performance wasn't your permanent potential?
I'm not asking you to lie to yourself. I'm asking you to consider that your current story might be incomplete.
Your story is the filter you see through. And the filter you see through determines the life you get to live.