by Stephen Doherty
August 3rd, 2025
“If WE own the story then WE can write the ending.”
I have this exact picture framed and hanging in front of me in my office. I start each day with a cup of coffee … and a reminder, via this picture, that all things are always possible to a committed spirit and a dedicated mind. As children, these four words were the precursor to every fairy tale ever read to us. They always preceded some wonderful tale of fantasy and adventure that allowed us to fall asleep knowing that life’s possibilities were limited only by the depth and breadth of our own dreams. At the end of the day, our destinies are not visited upon us – but crafted by us with deliberation and thoughtfulness.
The idea of destiny often conjures images of a predetermined path, a journey mapped out by fate or forces beyond our control. While this concept can be comforting, it also implies a lack of agency in shaping our future. In contrast, the philosophy of writing your own story suggests a radical and empowering alternative: that we are not merely characters in someone else’s tale, but the authors of our own lives. By embracing personal responsibility, self-awareness, and vision, we can create our own destiny and live a life of purpose and intention.
To begin writing your own story, you must first acknowledge your power to choose. Every day presents decisions that shape your future—some small, some monumental. Whether it’s the career path you pursue, the values you uphold, or the people you surround yourself with, each choice contributes to the larger narrative of your life. While external factors such as environment and circumstance certainly play a role, they do not dictate the entirety of one’s path. Many individuals throughout history have overcome formidable odds through sheer determination and clarity of purpose. Their stories remind us that our past does not define our future – unless we allow it to.
Self-awareness is another critical component of writing your own story. You cannot author a meaningful narrative if you do not know who you are or what you want. This requires honest reflection and the courage to confront your fears, insecurities, and doubts. It also demands the discipline to examine your goals, motivations, and beliefs. Journaling, meditation, mentorship, and feedback from trusted peers are powerful tools in this process. The better you understand yourself, the more authentically you can craft a life aligned with your values and dreams.
Once you have clarity, the next step is to take deliberate action. Dreaming without doing is like outlining a novel but never writing the pages. To bring your vision to life, you must set goals and pursue them with consistency. This involves risk, perseverance, and the willingness to fail. Failure, contrary to popular belief, is not a sign of weakness but a necessary part of growth. Every setback provides an opportunity to learn, adapt, and refine your narrative. The key is to view failure not as a full stop, but as a comma—a pause before the story continues stronger and more refined.
Moreover, writing your own story involves resilience and the ability to evolve. Life is unpredictable, and no matter how carefully you plan, challenges will arise. But just as an author revises drafts and reimagines plotlines, you too can adapt. Reinvention is not a sign that you’ve lost control; rather, it shows your capacity to learn and grow. Some of the most powerful stories are born from moments of uncertainty and transformation. When you embrace change as part of the journey, you remain the author of your life, rather than its victim.
Finally, writing your own story is about leaving a legacy. Your choices influence not only your life but also the lives of those around you. Whether through kindness, courage, creativity, or leadership, the story you live becomes part of a greater human narrative. When you live intentionally and authentically, you inspire others to do the same. This ripple effect is how you shape not only your destiny, but the world around you.
In conclusion, creating your own destiny by writing your own story is both a privilege and a responsibility. It means recognizing your power to choose, cultivating self-awareness, taking intentional action, embracing change, and living with purpose. While you may not control every chapter, you do hold the pen. The question is not what the future holds for you, but what story you are brave enough to write.
The pen that writes your life story
must be held in your own hand. -Anonymous
