Obviously we need to talk about this

Let’s stop pretending storytelling needs a Netflix budget.

Author

Stephen Stanberry
June 18th, 2025

Let me be blunt friend:
Saying “I don’t have a story” is the most convenient lie you’re still telling yourself.

And it’s keeping you stuck.

Here’s what people really mean when they say that:
“I don’t think my life is interesting enough.”
Or worse—
“I think stories are only for people with big, dramatic, TED Talk energy.”

Wrong.

If you’ve ever:
– Talked to a client
– Done laundry
– Felt stuck while building your product
– Gotten distracted mid-task
– Scrolled your way into a comparison spiral
– Sat on the toilet and had a random breakthrough (keep it clean, but still)

Guess what?
You’ve got stories.

They’re not hiding.
You’re just ignoring them.

Because you’ve been conditioned to think storytelling means building tension, crafting a twist, or having a cinematic brand arc.

Nope.

Real stories = real moments.
And your audience craves the ones that feel lived in.

The question isn’t “do I have a story?”
It’s:
“Am I paying enough attention to what’s already happening?”

So if you’ve been holding back content because “nothing interesting is happening right now”
Check yourself.

Your everyday life is overflowing with stories.
You just need to stop looking for magic,
and start capturing what’s real.

—

Here’s your challenge:
Pick one small moment from this week that felt real even if it’s ordinary.

Write it down.
Then ask: “What did this teach me?”

That’s your story.

Now go share it.

Stephen

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