When I was a kid, about 7 or 8 years old, word got out that for my birthday I wanted some Hot Wheels cars. On that day, I had a big party with lots of friends over which also meant lots of presents. I was so excited.
When I opened my first present, it just what I wanted, Hot Wheels cars! Perfect. Next present, more Hot Wheels. This was working out great. The next one, Hot Wheels again! I couldn’t believe my luck.
Then it happened, present after present, every single gift I received that day, all matched my desire: Hot Wheels! It was like a dream come true… except for one thing.
It was too much.
Sure, I wanted some Hot Wheels cars, but I liked other stuff too. I didn’t necessarily want every present to be Hot Wheels. Couldn’t someone be a little creative and think of something else?
It was one of the strangest birthdays I ever had. I was excited and happy about what I received, but not quite fulfilled because the final outcome wasn’t really what I wanted. I learned that very basic lesson of “be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it.” But to me it answered the question, “Is that all you want?”
Sometimes it takes an experience to really learn something. And each experience is a story.
We learn the most from stories.
Whether they are our own, or we read or hear them from someone else. They are powerful. And that is why they have been used for generations since the beginning of man to teach basic principles.
If stories have been so effective throughout time, then maybe we ought to use them more often today. Well, some people do.
Some of us just need more practice. Do you? Will you?
Post inspired by Chris Brogan: http://www.chrisbrogan.com/importance-of-story/
The Rex Blog 
3 replies on “The Importance of Story”
Sounds like you found out that “having is not so pleasing a thing, after all, as wanting. It is not logical, but it is often true.” – Spock
Yes. Not logical, but true.
Thanks for the classic reference.
Live long and prosper!
Chris Brogan actually sent me a free book for posting this story, it was Donald Miller’s “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years”. I wasn’t really sure about it, so it sat on my shelf for a long time and I kept saying that I’d get to it some day.
Well, I finally had some time to read during a long road trip to New Mexico, so I was able to finish the book. And I have to say that it was really one of the most deep, profound, and funny books I’ve ever read. It really had a good message, and his style of writing and stories had me riveted. It was a great read and I’d recommend it to anyone.
It was about creating meaningful purpose and your own story in life. A lot to think about. And do.