Imagine this: A film crew follows you for one week, documenting everything—your behaviors, habits, interactions, shortcomings, and accomplishments. They follow you at work and at home. And at the end of the week, they produce a documentary about your life. Now comes the big question: What channel would air your story?
Would your documentary land on CNBC, showcasing the life of a savvy business leader? Would it appear on ESPN, highlighting your athlete-like discipline and commitment to physical and mental fitness? Or would it belong on a channel like HGTV, focused on home projects and creativity—or worse, a reality TV channel known for chaos and drama? Would you be proud of the story it tells, or would you cringe watching it back?
The Mirror Effect of Documentation
This exercise is not about impressing an audience; it is about reflecting on whether the life you are living aligns with the life you want—personally and professionally. Are your actions, habits, and priorities coordinated with the legacy you hope to leave?
Ask Yourself:
- Would the documentary reflect the leader I am or want to be?
- Does it highlight the personal and professional relationships that matter most to me?
- Would it inspire others to emulate my choices, or would it leave me feeling humiliated?
What If You Do Not Like the Film?
If the final cut does not tell the story you want, take heart—it is not too late to change the script. Here are five ways to rewrite your narrative:
- Create a Clear Vision. Decide what kind of story you want to tell. Is it about leadership excellence, health and vitality, family devotion, or community impact? The best documentaries are built on strong narratives, and your vision will guide your actions. If you aspire to be featured on CNBC, focus on building a legacy of innovative leadership. If you want your story to air on ESPN, prioritize discipline and mental toughness in every aspect of your life.
- Take Risks and Embrace Growth. No great documentary features someone playing it safe. Growth happens when you push outside your comfort zone—whether it is tackling a tough challenge at work, setting bold fitness goals, or making a meaningful change in your personal life. Show that you are not afraid to fail, learn, and try again.
- Focus on the Highlights. Unforgettable documentaries capture pivotal moments. What moments are you creating in your life that stand out? Prioritize what matters most—spending quality time with loved ones, solving tough problems at work, or serving your community in ways that leave a lasting impact.
- Be Real and Relatable. The most compelling documentaries are not about perfection; they are about authenticity. Show vulnerability, admit mistakes, and let people see your real struggles and triumphs. It is your humanity that will resonate most deeply.
- Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection. Unforgettable stories do not show a straight path to success—they show growth. Focus on progress, whether it is taking better care of your health, building stronger relationships, or improving as a leader. Your documentary does not need to be flawless; it needs to show your commitment to becoming better every day.
The Story Is Yours to Write
The cameras are rolling every day, whether you realize it or not. The story you are telling—through your habits, actions, and choices—is written in real-time. What you do today shapes what the world sees tomorrow.
Would your documentary inspire others to live better? Would it make your family proud? Would it be a film you are excited to watch again and again?
If not, the good news is that you are the director of this story. You hold the power to turn an average film into an unforgettable masterpiece. The only question left is: What will you do with the time you have been given to make this documentary worth watching?
Make it bold. Make it meaningful. Make it unforgettable. The choice is yours.
I challenge you to begin today and get a head start on a successful and memorable new year—one worth watching!