Owning your story is about embracing who you are, mistakes, successes and all. It’s about being authentic and transparent, even when it’s uncomfortable.

People who own their story have a certain power in the way they navigate life. They’re not just going through the motions; they’re crafting their own narrative.

These people possess certain traits that make them stand out from the crowd. They’re confident, resilient and self-aware, among other things.

In this article titled “People who own their own stories share these 9 empowering traits”, we will delve into these unique characteristics. So if you’re curious to know what sets these individuals apart or want to start owning your own story too, read on.

1) Self-awareness

If there’s one trait that stands out in people who own their stories, it’s self-awareness.

Self-awareness is about understanding your feelings, motives, and desires. It’s about knowing why you react the way you do and understanding how your past experiences influence your present actions.

This trait is particularly important because it gives individuals the ability to see their life as a continuous narrative. They can understand where they’ve come from, where they are now, and where they want to go.

They’re not just reacting to life; they’re proactively shaping their own story.

But remember, developing self-awareness is a journey, not a destination. It’s about continuous growth and learning about oneself. And those who own their stories have mastered this art of self-reflection and introspection.

They know who they are, what they want, and most importantly, why they want it. They are the authors of their own life story.

2) Courage

Courage is another empowering trait shared by people who own their stories, and let me tell you, it’s something I’ve seen firsthand.

I have a dear friend, let’s call her Lucy. Lucy had a dream of becoming a writer, but she was working in a corporate job that didn’t fulfill her. She knew she wanted more, but the thought of leaving her stable job terrified her.

But then something changed. Lucy decided to own her story. She recognized the fear, acknowledged it, and then made the courageous decision to leap into the unknown.

She quit her job, faced the uncertainty head-on and began to write. Today, she’s a published author and couldn’t be happier.

This is the kind of courage that people who own their stories possess. It’s not about being fearless; it’s about feeling the fear and doing it anyway. It’s about taking risks and stepping outside of your comfort zone because you know that’s where growth happens.

And from my personal experience with Lucy, I can tell you this – owning your story requires courage, but it’s always worth it in the end.

3) Resilience

Resilience is a key trait of those who own their stories. This involves the ability to bounce back from adversity and keep moving forward despite setbacks and hardships.

Studies show that resilience is not a rare ability. In fact, it’s found in the average individual and can be learned and developed over time.

People who own their stories know this. They don’t see setbacks as permanent roadblocks but rather as temporary hurdles to overcome. They understand that life will always have its ups and downs, and they’re prepared to ride those waves.

They get knocked down, but they get up again. They face challenges head-on, learning from their experiences and using them as stepping stones to grow stronger and wiser.

Their resilience is a testament to their grit and determination, turning every stumble into a step forward in their personal narrative.

4) Authenticity

Being authentic is about being true to who you are at your core. It’s about embracing your strengths, acknowledging your weaknesses, and not being afraid to show the real you.

People who own their stories exude authenticity. They don’t pretend to be someone they’re not just to fit in or please others. They understand that everyone has their own unique journey, and they’re not afraid to walk their own path.

They value their individuality and cherish their uniqueness. They know that pretending to be someone else is not only draining but also robs the world of their unique perspective and contributions.

By being authentic, they empower themselves and inspire others to do the same. They lead by example, showing that it’s okay to be different, it’s okay to make mistakes, and most importantly, it’s okay to be you.

5) Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective.

People who own their stories are often highly empathetic. They’ve navigated their own struggles, faced their own demons, and in doing so, they’ve developed a deep understanding of human emotions and experiences.

This empathy allows them to connect with others on a deep level. They can offer comfort and understanding because they’ve been there too. They can provide support because they know what it’s like to need it.

Their own stories have equipped them with the compassion and understanding to help others navigate their journeys. Empathy isn’t just a trait; it’s a gift. And those who own their stories use this gift to make a difference in the lives of others.

6) Vulnerability

Vulnerability is often seen as a sign of weakness, but those who own their stories know that it’s anything but. Vulnerability is about having the courage to show up and be seen. It’s about being open and honest, even when it’s scary.

People who own their stories aren’t afraid to be vulnerable. They’re open about their struggles, their fears, and their failures. They don’t hide behind a facade of perfection.

Instead, they bravely share their imperfections and embrace their humanity. They understand that it’s through vulnerability that we connect with others on a real, human level.

Vulnerability takes courage, strength, and a lot of heart. And those who dare to be vulnerable, who dare to own their stories and share them with the world, they are the real heroes in my book. They inspire us all to be a little more human, a little more real, and a whole lot braver.

7) Gratitude

Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s an attitude, a way of life.

Take my morning routine for example. Every morning, before I even get out of bed, I take a moment to reflect on the things I’m grateful for. It could be something as simple as having a cozy bed to sleep in or something as profound as the love and support of my family.

People who own their stories often practice gratitude. They recognize the good in their lives and appreciate it. They understand that even in the midst of struggles and hardship, there’s always something to be grateful for.

This attitude of gratitude allows them to view their life from a perspective of abundance rather than lack. It fuels their positivity and inspires them to keep moving forward, adding more empowering chapters to their life’s story.

8) Optimism

Optimism isn’t about ignoring the negatives or pretending that everything is perfect. It’s about maintaining a positive outlook and believing in the possibility of a better tomorrow.

People who own their stories tend to be optimistic. They’ve faced their fair share of challenges, but they don’t let these setbacks cloud their perspective. Instead, they choose to see these as opportunities for growth.

They maintain a hopeful outlook, believing in their ability to shape their future and make their dreams a reality. They understand that life is full of ups and downs, but they remain steadfast in their optimism, fueling their journey forward.

Their optimism is infectious, inspiring others around them to adopt a similar positive mindset and believe in the possibility of a brighter future.

9) Fearlessness

Perhaps the most empowering trait of those who own their stories is fearlessness. This isn’t about being without fear; it’s about facing fear head-on and not allowing it to dictate your actions.

People who own their stories have faced their fears, confronted them, and come out stronger on the other side. They’ve learned that fear is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to control their narrative.

They’ve taken risks, stepped outside their comfort zones, and dared to live authentically in a world that often encourages conformity. They’ve shown that fear is not a barrier, but a stepping stone to growth and self-discovery.

Fearlessness in owning your story is about embracing every part of your journey – the highs, the lows, the triumphs, and the trials. It’s about standing tall in your truth and daring to live a life that’s truly yours.

Final reflection: The power is in your hands

The magic of owning your story lies in the transformative power it brings. These nine traits – self-awareness, courage, resilience, authenticity, empathy, vulnerability, gratitude, optimism, and fearlessness – are not exclusive to a select few. They are innate capabilities that reside within each of us.

Research by Dr. Brené Brown, a renowned researcher and storyteller, shows that the process of owning our stories and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we can do.

It’s not about having a perfect life or being invincible. It’s about being real, being brave, and most importantly, being you.

Embracing your journey with all its ups and downs is what shapes you into who you are. Every experience you’ve had is a chapter in your story and adds depth to your character.

So as you reflect on these empowering traits, understand that the power to own your story is already within you. Your life is your narrative. It’s your book with blank pages waiting to be filled. And remember – only you hold the pen.