Your Story Matters. You’re Just Telling It Wrong.

Let’s talk about your story. You know, that wild, messy, beautiful rollercoaster of experiences that made you who you are today? Yeah, that one. The one you downplay because it doesn’t match someone else’s highlight reel. Here’s the truth: Your story matters. And if you’re not telling it, you’re not just selling yourself short—you’re keeping the world from a perspective it needs.

This little sermon was inspired by a recent episode of The Skinny Confidential Him & Her podcast, in which Lauren and Michael Bostick sat down with Donald Miller, creator of Building a StoryBrand. If you’re side-eyeing the idea of storytelling being relevant in 2025, let us hit you with a few insights from that conversation.

Why It Matters

“If you haven’t communicated what problem you solve, it’s very hard for people to figure out why you matter” Miller says. Now, you’re probably thinking: “I’m not a brand. I’m not selling anything.” But, you are the brand. Your story is how people understand you—whether you’re building a business, landing a job, dating, or just trying to connect with fellow humans.

Miller illustrated this with two chefs at a party. One says, “I’m an at-home chef. I come to your house and cook.” Cool, but yawn. The other says, “You know how families don’t eat together anymore, and when they do, it’s never healthy? I’m an at-home chef who fixes that.” Boom. Chef #2 is getting all the bookings because she framed her story around solving a problem—even if the “problem” is just surviving another Tuesday night without DoorDash.

Takeaway: Whether you’re pitching a side hustle, applying for a job, or just introducing yourself at brunch, don’t just say what you do—say why it matters. What problem are you solving? What itch are you scratching? What vibe are you bringing?

Stop Being the Hero

Here’s the counterintuitive part: According to Miller, the biggest mistake people make when sharing their story is trying to be the hero. “The customer should be the hero,” he explained. You need to position yourself as the guide.”

Think about it. If you’re always the show’s star, it’s hard for others to see how you fit into their story. That’s why brands like Dave Ramsey crush it—he’s not just a finance guru; he’s the guide who helps you defeat the villain (debt) and live happily ever after (debt-free).

Takeaway: Writing a dating profile, a LinkedIn summary, or just explaining what you do at a party? Frame it like this: “I help [person] do [thing] so they can [win].” Like, “I help women stop undercharging for their work so they can get the bag and the respect they deserve.” It’s giving fairy godmother energy—and it works.

Keep It Simple

“Most businesses fail not because their product isn’t good enough, but because they make their customer think too much,” Miller says. The human brain burns 600-800 calories a day just thinking (shocking, given how much time we all spend doom-scrolling TikTok). If your story isn’t clear and simple, people will mentally swipe left.

Miller shared how Spectrum Brands boosted sales of fish tanks by 99% just by slapping three words on the packaging: “Kids love aquariums.” No long pitch, no jargon—just a direct hit to the brain’s “this will make my life easier” button.

Takeaway: When you tell your story—whether it’s for a brand, a project, or yourself—make it stupid simple. Ask yourself: Would my distracted, wine-sipping bestie get it in under 10 seconds? If not, trim the fat.

How to Actually Tell Your Story (Without Sounding Cringe)

Alright, you’re sold. You’re ready to tell your story. But how do you do it without sounding like you’re auditioning for a TED Talk? Here’s the Miller-approved breakdown:

• Start with the problem. People don’t care about your resume; they care about how you can make their life easier, cooler, or less chaotic. Lead with the struggle you understand.
• Be the guide, not the hero. Show how you’ve been there, done that, and can light the path—without centering yourself.
• Keep it clear and snappy. If you can’t explain it to a 12-year-old or a tipsy friend, it’s too complicated.
• Show, don’t tell. Personal anecdotes hit harder than vague platitudes. Share how you learned the lesson, not just the lesson itself.
• End with a win. What’s the happy ending? How is life better now—for you and for the people you’re helping?

Your Story Is Your Superpower (Use It Wisely)

If you’re still sitting there thinking, “But my story isn’t that interesting,” consider this: The brands, influencers, and leaders you love didn’t succeed because they were the smartest or the prettiest. They succeeded because they made you feel seen, heard, and understood—and they did it by telling their story in a way that made you the hero.

“If you can own a problem and talk about it clearly, it’s the fastest way to grow a brand—or a life,” Miller says.

So, what’s your story? What problem are you helping people solve? And when are you finally going to stop gatekeeping the magic that is you? The world’s waiting—mic drop optional.