The Underdog Protagonist
The Underdog Protagonist is a podcast for the ones who are currently in the hustle period of their life. They are in the process of doing something big. But they are currently the side characters of a movie. This podcast is their voice, which speaks about the hardships which not all are aware of. The ones who are at the epitome of their success get to share their story. But what about us underdogs? The achievements we have made aren't small either. This podcast is to share our story. Let's be the protagonist of our story. Let's not settle being the side character anymore.
The Underdog Protagonist
How to Leverage Storytelling for Maximum Growth | Storytelling 101
Sharing your story can feel overwhelming, but it’s also one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself and others. In this episode of The Underdog Protagonist, we’re diving deep into The Fear of Sharing, why it feels so scary, how to overcome self-doubt, and why your voice truly matters.
I’ll share personal experiences, including my own struggles with vulnerability, fear of judgment, and self-doubt. We’ll explore how storytelling fosters connection, empowers you to reclaim your narrative, and inspires those who might be facing the same challenges.
If you’ve ever hesitated to share your work, experiences, or achievements, this episode will give you the tools to take that first step. From practical tips to a challenge designed to help you step out of your comfort zone, this is your guide to embracing imperfection and finding the courage to share your story. Oh, and did I tell you that your story is responsible for your personal branding? Well, now you know.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:32 Why does sharing feel so scary?
04:32 Why does your story matter?
07:22 How to overcome the fear of sharing?
08:44 Challenge to improve storytelling
09:42 Summary
About Pk:
Pratyush has been a designer for almost 6 years. He started YouTube to share his knowledge and establish a connection between design and business. He believes that knowledge grows by sharing and he wants to do just that. He wants to help fellow freelancers and content creators make a profitable career.
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Hello, everyone, and welcome back to the underdog protagonist. I'm Pratyush, and if this is your first time tuning in, let me tell you what this podcast is all about. This is a space for the unspoken, a voice for those who feel unseen, unheard, or afraid to share their stories. Here, we celebrate the struggles, stories, and achievements of those who are navigating life's challenges while working toward their big dreams. I know what it feels like to hesitate, to feel judged, and to wonder if your story even matters.
But I've compiled the strength to speak mine in the hopes that it will resonate with people like me and people like you. In today's episode, we are diving into the fear of sharing. Whether it's your creative work, personal experiences, or even your proudest achievements, sharing can feel overwhelming. The vulnerability, the fear of judgement, it's very real. But here's the truth.
Your story matters. We'll talk about why sharing feels so hard, how it empowers you and others, and how to overcome that fear to step into your voice. If you have ever felt afraid to speak up, this is for you. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let's find the courage to share our stories together. Now let's start with the big question.
Why does sharing feel so scary? For most of us, it's about vulnerability. Sharing something personal like your creative work, your struggles, or even your success feels like opening a window to your soul. You're exposing a part of yourself, and with that comes the fear of judgement, rejection, or even indifference. I'll be honest, I've felt this fear countless times.
Even now, when I sit down to record this podcast, there's a part of me that wonders, will this resonate? What if people don't understand? What if I am speaking to the void? And what if people perceive me as cringey? I remember the first time I shared a personal story publicly, I was terrified It really felt like I was holding my breath waiting for someone to say, You're sharing this.
Who cares? And deep within my heart, I knew like people won't care Cause a story from nobody won't be that interesting for people But you know what? Something amazing happened People reached out They told me that they felt the same way that my story gave them some sort of hope and it resonated with them And whenever they felt the same way, they went back and listened to the podcast The number was not huge It was just my friends, a few people who were tuning in in the initial days But their reaction was quite honest. And that is exactly when I realized that the fear we feel isn't a reflection of the value of the story. It's a reflection of our own self doubt.
Let's try to unpack this a little more. Fear has a sneaky way of telling us lies to keep us silent. Here are a few I've heard in my own head that just keeps me from doing anything out of the way, out of the ordinary, and just holds me back. Your story isn't important enough. People will judge you for this.
What if you get it wrong? What if your insecurities are shown explicitly? I think you have heard of these lies before. They are designed to keep us in our comfort zone, where it feels safe. But your story doesn't need to be extraordinary to matter.
What makes it valuable is that it's yours. Think about the last time someone shared something vulnerable with you. Did you judge them? Or did you feel more connected to them? If there's any part of their story that resonated with you, I'm sure that the story or the experience made you feel closer to the person.
Sharing isn't about being perfect. It's about being real. So, why does your story matter? 1st, storytelling is how we connect as humans. It bridges gaps, fosters empathy, and reminds us that we are not alone.
Your experiences, no matter how ordinary they seem, can resonate with someone who's been through the same thing. For example, I once shared a story about struggling with procrastination and self doubt. I thought it was too small to matter. And, I was so sure that it won't make an impact, people won't listen to this, and probably won't even relate to this. But to my surprise, people did resonate with what I was trying to say.
And, that is when it hit me. Sometimes, the stories we hesitate to share are the ones that resonate the most. Your story isn't about you. It's about the person who hears it and feels seen, understood, and inspired to keep going. And sharing isn't about helping others.
It's about helping yourself. This podcast is my escape. It acts as my own voice. And, in a way, it relieves me. If there's some ailment, something going on inside me that I want to get out, this is my way to get it out of my system and let the world know that if at all you're suffering from the same thing, here's what you should do, which is what I've tried or I've been trying myself.
When you tell your story, you're forced to reflect. You see how far you've come, the lessons you've learned, and the growth you've experienced. It's a way of reclaiming your narrative and saying, This is who I am and I'm proud of it. I've found that every time I share, I grow a little bit more confident in my voice. A few days back, I was listening to my podcast when I just got into the space and started putting out episodes.
And the way I spoke was very different than how I am speaking now. I know it's not there yet. I have still a long way to go, a lot of people to inspire, and I'm not a big creator with a huge influence. But still, the growth that I've felt is enormous. Episode 1 and the episode now has a night and day of difference.
And if you ask me, after all these recording sessions and putting out a lot of episodes, has the fear disappeared entirely? Let me tell you, never does. But with each story I tell, I remind myself that my voice matters. Whenever I go back to listen to my own episodes, I feel a little more empowered and motivated to keep pushing. Now let's get practical.
How do you overcome the fear of sharing? If there are some strategies that have worked for me, this is it. 1st, start small. Share with a trusted friend or in a private journal, and build your confidence in safe spaces. Number 2, focus on the why.
Think about, why do you want to share? For me, it was being the voice I needed when I felt invisible. I wanted to share my experiences, my learnings, my growth to inspire myself and to help people resonate if they're going through the same thing. Number 3. Embrace imperfection.
Your story doesn't need to be perfectly polished. Authenticity is more powerful than perfection. You want your story to be raw, unfiltered, and from your heart so that it reaches to the right audience. Number 4. Celebrate every step.
Each time you share something, no matter how small, you need to acknowledge the courage it takes. Going out of your comfort zone and being vulnerable isn't something that people can do easily. If you're able to take that step, celebrate that. Here's a challenge for you to try out this week. Share one small piece of your story.
It could be as simple as posting about a lesson you've learnt or telling a friend about something you've been going through. Take that step. Go out of your comfort zone and try it out. Let's zoom out for a moment. Sharing a story isn't about just today.
It's about creating a ripple effect. When you share, it's not just speaking for yourself. You're speaking for others who can't find the words yet. You're giving them permission to be vulnerable, to connect, and to grow. Imagine a world where people felt empowered to share their truth.
Think about how much more connected, empathetic, and inspired we'll all feel. That is the power of storytelling. And it starts with you. I hope this conversation has reminded you of the power of your voice and your story. This week, take that step, share something no matter how small, and if you do that, let me know on socials.
I'd love to hear your story and the step that you've taken outside of your comfort zone. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, share it with a friend who might need it, and leave a review. It means the world to me and helps more people discover the podcast. Lastly, remember, every time you share, you're not speaking for yourself. You're speaking for someone who hasn't found their voice yet.
That's what makes your story more powerful. You were listening to the underdog protagonist, and I'll catch you in the next one. Until then, take care.