Trusting the Edits: How Flexibility and Curiosity Shape the Best Stories
Barbara Nadolna
AI-Driven Growth Marketer & Published Thought Leader | Paid Media, SEM, & Automation Expert | Driving Scalable Results Through Data & Technology (Views are my own)
Do you ever stop to smell the flowers—or better yet, take a completely unexpected path just because it feels right? Life is full of routines and checklists, but sometimes, the best moments come when we allow ourselves to rewrite the script, to follow what feels right instead of sticking to what’s planned.
Recently, I found myself perched on a window ledge in a Chicago hotel, watching the bustling street below as Landslide played softly in the background. It was one of those rare moments where everything slowed down, and I thought, Wow, I’m actually here. It was empowering to realize I’d planned this trip for myself, simply because I wanted to.
For someone whose parents practically hold their breath every time I start with, “I have this idea…” (the latest? A solo trip to Guatemala), it’s funny how much these wild moments become the best stories. They’ve shown me that following those gut instincts often leads to the richest chapters.
Rewrite Your Script: Listening to Your Body in Real-Time
My executive coach, Domonique Worship , once posed a question that completely changed my perspective: “Listen to your body—what do you feel like doing right now? Where’s your energy today?” It sounds simple, but for someone like me—who’s practically on a first-name basis with Notion and 谷歌 Calendars—it was revolutionary. I’ve always been one to follow through on plans, so the thought of “switching things up” felt almost rebellious.
Take last week: I’d signed up for yoga, but the weather was beautiful, and I felt drawn to take a long walk instead. My first instinct was, “But I already signed up!” Then I stopped and thought, “What would feel right?” The walk won, and it turned out to be the highlight of my day—fresh air, a call with my friend Nikki Sanz , and feeling completely present.
How often do we stick to plans that no longer serve us, just because we think we “should”? Imagine the freedom of rewriting the plan when it no longer feels right. Sometimes, those edits become the best parts of the story.
Showing Up: Embracing Life’s Plot Twists
My dad always says, “50% of success is just showing up.” As much as I sometimes hate to admit it, he’s right. I have a rule at events: talk to at least three people. Meeting new people can feel like speed-dating for friendships—awkward intros and all—but by the third conversation, I’m usually deep into sharing stories about life’s twists or debating the best sushi spots in town.
Funny enough, the very things that give my parents a low-key heart attack—like that solo adventure to Guatemala—often become perfect conversation starters. Being open about those “out there” experiences makes for memorable connections and reminds me that showing up authentically keeps the best stories unfolding.
Takeaway: Keep showing up, even if it feels uncertain. Life’s plot twists often begin with a simple hello.
Trusting the Rewrites: Letting Life Shape the Story
The stories we tell ourselves shape how we approach everything—our setbacks, our wins, and our day-to-day choices. But what happens when the story changes? I used to see rejections as roadblocks. Now, they’re plot twists—doors leading to paths I didn’t even know were there.
Reading Hidden Potential by Adam Grant opened my eyes to how persistence often reveals possibilities we’d never planned. Who’s to say “no” to your story? If someone says no, it just means they’re not part of this chapter. Every “no” is a nudge toward a new direction. Now, I see rejections as plot twists that keep life interesting.
At DC Tech Week, I had the privilege of connecting with Seema Alexander and Marty Carroll , Director of Marketing at Red Bull and ex- 耐克 exec. Marty shared an insight that hit home: “Find the people who believe in you, work with people who see the potential in you. You can manage performance.” It’s a reminder that our stories aren’t just about the choices we make but also about the people who believe in us.
Ever looked back at a “no” and realized it led you somewhere better? Those plot twists are what make our stories unique. After all, who wants a predictable story?
Takeaway: Embrace life’s rewrites. Each “no” just nudges you toward the next chapter.
Building Your “Board of Directors”: Finding Your Co-Writers
No author writes in isolation, and neither do we. Every dreamer needs a board of directors—the friends, mentors, and colleagues who challenge and cheer us on. I’m beyond grateful for my personal “board”—the people who listen to my wild ideas, help me make sense of life’s twists, and remind me to keep showing up.
Recently, my curiosity led me to an incredible women-in-AI community, even though I’m more on the marketing side. Following that initial spark made me realize that we don’t have to stay in predefined “boxes.” Find people who encourage your curiosity and help co-author your journey. They’re the ones who remind you to keep moving forward when you feel uncertain, and sometimes, they open doors you didn’t even know were there.
Takeaway: Find your board of directors—people who believe in your vision, cheer on your curiosity, and nudge you toward growth.
Flowing Through Life: Letting Go and Trusting What Comes Next
In yoga recently, an instructor said something that resonated deeply: “You don’t always have to be the fire; sometimes you can be water—flowing and soothing.” It was a reminder that even as we write our own stories, life often steps in as an editor, guiding us in directions we hadn’t planned.
As I sit here watching the cotton candy sky, I’m reminded that not every part of my story needs to be meticulously planned. Some chapters are best written in real time, trusting that life’s edits will lead somewhere good. Letting go doesn’t mean losing control—it means being open to flowing with what comes your way.
Takeaway: Let life be your co-writer. Flow through the edits it offers and see where it leads.
Key Takeaway: Follow Your Curiosity
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that curiosity drives our best chapters. That spark to explore AI? It led me to an incredible community I didn’t expect to find. Following your curiosity can lead you to places you never imagined, even if it doesn’t fit the “status quo.”
In bed by 8:45 p.m. to read, and up by 6 a.m. to journal? Sign me up. Confidence and growth come from leaning into the journey, taking time to learn, and listening to what feels right. See it, dream it, believe it, become it.
So, what’s the next chapter in your story?
Are you ready to let life edit along the way? Trust your curiosity, show up, and embrace the plot twists that make life richer.
Extra thanks to not mentioned earlier:
Marketing Manager | Product Marketing | GTM Strategy | Brand Strategist
4 个月Great read! I find staying in thepresent is key to embracing flexibility.