Magic with Stories
I have been a compulsive story blogger, writing a story every single day. While stories have been an integral part of our life what’s important is 2 things one who and how we tell these stories. The stories we tell ourselves, are they the Escape Roots we create for ourselves? Let’s say we have to reach somewhere, or we joined a yoga class, and we miss it. What’s that convincing story we tell ourselves? Oh, I can’t go because of “xyz” reason or just one day I have had a long day? Are these reasons or escape routes to convince our minds? Also, for me, stories are a means to put a seed for thought too. Here’s an example.
Power of stories – The Rich Shoe-shiner
Every morning, the CEO of a major bank in Manhattan went to the corner where a shoeshine man was always there. He used to sit on the chair, read the Wall Street Journal, and the shoeshine man gave his shoes a shine, great look.
One morning, the shoeshine man asks the CEO:
“What do you think of the stock market situation?”
The CEO arrogantly asks him: “Why are you so interested in this subject?” The shoeshine man replies: “I have twenty million dollars deposited in your bank and I am thinking about investing part of the money in the stock market”.
The CEO of the bank asks:
“What is your name?”
He replies:
“John Smith H.”
The CEO arrives at the bank and asks the Manager of the Major Accounts Department:
“Do we have a customer named John Smith H.?”
The Customer Service Manager for Major Accounts replies:
*We certainly do, Sir!
He is an extremely esteemed customer! He has twenty million dollars in his account.”
The CEO leaves the bank, approaches the shoeshine Man, and says: “Mr. Smith, I would like to invite you to be our guest of honor at our board meeting next Monday and tell us your life story. I’m sure we will have a lot to learn from you.” At the board meeting, the CEO introduces him to the board members:
“We all know Mr. Smith, who makes our shoes shine like no one else. But Mr. Smith is also our valued customer, with twenty million dollars in his account. I invited him to tell us the story of his life. I’m sure we can learn a lot from him. Please, Mr. Smith, tell us your life story.”
Then, Mr. Smith began to narrate his story:
“I came to this country thirty years ago as a young immigrant from Eastern Europe and with an unpronounceable name. I left the ship penniless in my pocket.
The first thing I did was to change my name to Smith. I was hungry and exhausted. I started to wander in search for a job, but without success. Suddenly, I found a coin on the sidewalk, and I bought some apples.
I had two options: eat the apples and quench my hunger or start a business. I sold the apples for 50 cents and bought more apples with the money. When I started accumulating dollars, I managed to buy a set of used brushes and shoe polishes and started cleaning shoes.
I didn’t spend a dime on fun or clothes. I only bought bread and cheese to survive. I saved penny by penny and after a while I bought a new set of brushes and shoe polishes in different shades and colors and increased my clientele.
I lived like a monk and saved a penny after penny. After a while, I managed to buy a chair so that my customers could sit comfortably while I cleaned their shoes, which brought me more customers. I didn’t spend a dime on the pleasures of life. I kept saving every penny.
A few years ago, when the corner shoeshine colleague decided to retire, I had already saved enough money to buy his point, which was a better place than mine. Finally, three months ago, my brother, who was a drug dealer in Chicago, passed away and left me twenty million dollars.
Reflection by Dr Anjana
Today, let’s explore how to nurture a love for reading. Stories are part of our DNA from childhood—they’re how we connect and remember much of our lives. Everyone has a story, but how can we tell it in a way that keeps you engaged? Today’s story is a perfect example. Does this mean there are no reflections or takeaways? Certainly not. It means that while there are many lessons to be learned, you get to choose what resonates with you and apply it in your own way. Here are a few examples to consider.
1. You can use this to discuss perceptions—your appearance or job doesn’t define your worth.
2. It can also be used to talk about humility—no matter how wealthy you are, remember that anything received for free will only change your habits if it’s valued.
3. Additionally, this can be used to discuss how money can generate more money if used wisely.
And many more. Messages have a greater impact when backed by a story. Remember, stories are like data with a soul. It’s a known fact that even the most complex messages can be communicated easily when linked to a story. Let’s all write our stories, whether they are of success or failure, as each will have an impact. Success stories will motivate, while failures provide lessons to learn from. The world is shaped by two things: the stories told and the memories left behind. In the end, we all have stories to tell, whether we whisper or yell.
-Dr. Anjana Vinod is a breast cancer coach, a TEDx speaker, Mrs. India International 2023, an IIM Bangalore MDP alum, a mentor, and a recipient of the Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Award for service excellence and the Delhi Today Award for her coaching work.
