From Drifting to Direction: Helping Kids Write Their Own Life Story
In this powerful episode, Scott Schimmel explores one of the most transformative questions a young person can answer: "What is your story?"
Drawing from years of work with students and personal experiences, Scott unpacks the psychology of identity, the role of narrative in personal development, and the risks of drifting through life without a story of your own.
Listeners will learn:
Why every kid lives in a storyâwhether they know it or not How social pressures and expectations shape (and sometimes distort) that story
Why self-reflection and narrative identity are essential tools for young people
The structure of the Heroâs Journey and how it applies to teens finding their way Practical ways to help kids discover, own, and live their authentic story
Whether youâre a parent, educator, or mentor, this episode will give you insights and tools to guide the young people in your life toward greater clarity, purpose, and ownership of their journey.
đ ď¸ Takeaways Kids donât just need guidanceâthey need story ownership. Drifting into someone elseâs expectations is dangerous. Self-reflection isnât a luxury; itâs a skill. Model your own journey and normalize the struggle. Ask story-driven questions that open up self-discovery.