You’re telling stories in the most forgettable way possible

Hey Beyonder!

I noticed something weird last week.

I was watching my friend tell a story about how she started her business. She went on and on about her childhood, her first job, her inspiration.

I tried to listen. Really, I did.

But my mind wandered.

Then another person started talking.

He said: "Last month I made a lakh from my side project. And honestly, I still don't understand how."

Suddenly, I was leaning in.

Here's What I Realized

We think people care about beginnings. But they actually care about endings first.

When someone says "Here's how I started..." We think: Okay, cool.

When someone says "Here's where I ended up, and it shocked me..." We think: Wait, what? Tell me more!

That's the difference.

Why This Actually Works

Think about movie trailers. They show you the big explosion first. Then you want to know how it happened.

Think about crime shows. They show the crime scene first. Then you're hooked.

Your brain wants to know the result. Then it gets curious about the journey.

Most people tell stories in a straight line: Beginning → Middle → End

But attention doesn't work that way.

How to Use This in Your Content

Step 1: Start With What Happened

Don't explain. Just say it.

"Last week, one choice changed everything for me."

That's it. Stop there.

Step 2: Break What They're Thinking

People will make assumptions. Call them out.

"You probably think I had a clear plan. Or I finally got disciplined."

This makes them curious.

Step 3: Rewind to the Messy Part

Now go back to the beginning.

"Truth is, it started with confusion. A lot of mistakes. And no clue what I was doing."

This is where people relate.

Step 4: Share the Real Lesson

Connect it to something bigger.

"Most good things don't start with clarity. They start with trying anyway."

This is the part they remember.

Step 5: Make Them Think

End with something that points back to them.

"What are you not starting because you think you're not ready?"

Try This This Week

Write one post that starts with:

• "I didn't see this coming..."

• "This wasn't the plan..."

• "I thought it would look different..."

Then walk backward from there.

Show the result. Then show the messy journey.

Final Thought

The best stories don't start at the start.

They start at the moment that makes someone say: "Wait... how did you get there?"

That's when they actually listen.

What's one result in your life that surprised you?

Reply and tell me. I read every response.

Keep telling stories,

Epaphra