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Success Advice

How to Turn Your Unpopular Story Into a Success Story

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My imperfection was my weight. I had gained over 365 pounds. I never thought or felt I was attractive. Maybe I had a pretty face, but I was always the fat girl.I let people, including family verbally abuse and intimidate me. I was boxed into a corner where I didn’t believe I could amount to much, or that what I did was worthy of the spotlight. 

Does any of this sound familiar? Yours might not be a weight struggle but maybe your height, a special learning need, your looks, your poor academic background, etc. It really doesn’t matter what it is. What matters is how you respond to it. 

Realize You Are Not Alone

Truth is, everyone has imperfections. Some may be more obvious than others but they exist. So, whatever you feel right now, has been felt by someone or there’s someone out there who feels exactly the same way. Weirdly comforting, right? Serena Williams was told she would never be as good as her big sister, Venus. Steve Jobs was fired from his first company. Bill Gates was a Harvard dropout. Michael Jordan didn’t reach the minimum height for basketball. Even the public figures we all admire today, had their moments when they didn’t feel proud of themselves. So you’re in good company.

The Money is in Your Story

You are a bundle of amazing ideas and dreams, in spite of your imperfections. If I would dare to say, your dreams will make more impact BECAUSE of your imperfections. Why social media is blowing up with engagement today is because of stories. People love to connect with the feelings, pain, joys, ecstasy, trials, victories of other people. 

Have you ever read a post or watched a video and go, “this sounds exactly like what I’m going through”? When you connect emotionally with people as you share your unpopular story or experience, you build a connection that instantly makes you the preferred choice when they want to invest in a product/service. So document and share your dreams, fears, successes and losses ‘cos that’s how you’d contribute to impacting mankind and also creating a side income.

“Stories create community, enable us to see through the eyes of other people, and open us to the claims of others.” – Peter Forbes

You Can Go Global In An Instant (Almost!) 

Creating multiple streams of income is not as hard as it may sound. When you begin to share your story, platforms and opportunities will begin to come to you. What you already know how to do or what you have experienced can be packaged into solutions that people will want to pay for. Because you are familiar with their pain, people will believe that whatever solution you offer will work for them as well. And this doesn’t just relate to health and fitness coaches. 

Sharing your story can open the doors to free radio and television interviews, collaboration opportunities, global recognitions, keynote speaking engagements, public office appointments/nominations, etc. The possibilities are endless! You can literally build an online empire from sharing your story. But in order to get the rewards, you need to start. 

To get started, you can:

  • Write a book. Write a book around your topic that passionately shares your experience with your audience. There is a reason why biographies and autobiographies sell. People want to know the behind-the-scenes. Tell them. Show them. Writing and publishing a book doesn’t have to be the traditional way. You can publish an e-book or an audio book if you decide that you’re not ready for print publishing. 
  • Launch a Podcast. Different podcasts exist for different audiences. There are podcasts for moms with special needs, podcasts for subject matter experts, corporate brands also own podcast channels, etc. You can choose what to share and how to share it. The more you share your message, the more you will build a community/tribe around that message and people will begin to pay you to advertise their products to your community. Talk about double wins!
  • Start a YouTube Channel. This can be as easy as pressing “record” with your mobile phone. Or hitting the go live button on any of the social media platforms that allow live streaming. Your videos can be uploaded on YouTube and you build an audience that is attracted to your message or the solution that you provide. Truth is, there’s no “one size fits all” approach with videos. The more authentic, the better it is.
  • Create a blog and monetize it. Several success stories have come from blogging because it represents the easiest way (for most people) to create content consistently. Some say it’s as simple as journaling. Try it. You can monetize a blog in so many ways – affiliate commissions, selling products/services, writing sponsored reviews, etc 
  • Create an online course. This involves Candle Packaging Ideas your brilliance into text, audio or video format that people can pay for without you having to create/deliver the content each time a purchase is made. 
  • Start a Mastermind/Group Coaching. This is almost the same as creating an online course but the difference is that with a mastermind/ group coaching, you are present with those in the group, whether online or offline. 

This is definitely not an exhaustive list! Depending on what mode of content creation comes best for you, text using AI to generate text, audio or video, you can literally start sharing your story using your mobile phone. The truth is, your story can be the key to opening doors of endless opportunities and the earlier you take advantage of it, the better. 

What’s stopping you from taking that first step? You certainly can’t let the voices in your head control your actions. You need to say, “Yes, I know I have a slight misstep when I walk, but that won’t stop me from reaching for my dreams of being a public speaker”. It is time to trash the excuses and own your narrative.

As a survivor of verbal abuse, Deborah A. Franklin has learned to rise above what has been said to/about her and be the authentic representative of who she was created to be. She is the Founder/CEO of Conversations Entertainment Group where she helps individuals turn their story into a movement that generates multiple streams of income. With over 20 years in the entertainment and education industry she has the knowledge and expertise to assist you to catapult your career to the next level. Get access to her free video training on Starting Your Six-Figure Podcast: What You Really Need To Know. Connect with her on Facebook. She loves meeting new people!

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Success Advice

11 Mark Manson Lessons That’ll Redefine Success in the Digital Age

Success in the digital age isn’t about hacks, it’s about the raw, real lessons Mark Manson actually lives by.

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Mark Manson life lessons on success
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In 2016, Mark Manson released The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, a brutally honest, thought-provoking book that redefined self-help for a new generation. (more…)

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Change Your Mindset

The Secret Daily Routines Behind History’s Most Brilliant Thinkers

Uncover the daily rituals and hidden habits that powered history’s most brilliant minds to success.

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Why Daily Rituals Matter

Every great achiever has one thing in common: discipline. Behind the novels, inventions, discoveries, and masterpieces are small, consistent habits repeated daily. (more…)

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Did You Know

How to Turn a Simple Link-in-Bio Into a Powerful Brand Hub

Transform your forgotten bio link into a high-impact gateway that fuels engagement, clicks, and conversions across every social platform.

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Social media is one of the greatest marketing tools in 2025. According to a recent study, some 86% of marketers globally use platforms like Facebook and Instagram for advertisements, while 94% use it for content distribution.  (more…)

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Personal Development

These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident

Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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how to build self-confidence through action
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Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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