The Five- Second Spark: How Micro-Moments Ignite Powerful Stories
Last December, I stared at the blinking cursor, a familiar foe in the writer’s battle. My usual ‘well’ of experience, the source of my blog posts, had run dry. My family members constantly asked me about my next blog post. Panic started to set in. Just then, a book on my shelf caught my eye: “Storyworthy” by Matthew Dicks. Intrigued, I cracked it open. Only this time, it was not for casual reading, but with a motto to learn and apply the learnings and start sharing my stories again.
Three months later, with only the first section under my belt, the results have been surprising. Matthew doesn’t dwell on complex writing techniques; instead, he focuses on unearthing stories from everyday life. One idea particularly resonated: “Journaling the Moment.” This is the one idea that I have been practicing for last 3 months.
But here’s the twist: I don’t just write about exciting events. Dicks argues that even the “normal” can be storyworthy. As suggested by Dicks, I started with a simple note on Notion. Every day, I’d jot down a single noteworthy moment before sleeping. Even if it was just a funny interaction with my family members or a serious moment with my office colleagues. Slowly, weekends have become my treasure hunt as I went through the date wise entries in the note. Revisiting the note, I saw not mundane entries, but potential stories from my very ‘own’ experience and observance!
For example, one day I noted my observation of a cafe in a hospital stocked with junk food and sugary drinks. This sparked a reflection on the disconnect between what we advocate for and what we offer. Another time, a heated conversation with a colleague (so loud it drew my partner from another room!) became a lesson in the importance of patience for leaders. These are just a couple of examples — everyday experiences can ignite a spark of thought, waiting to be transformed into a story.
Here’s how the magic unfolds:
- Unearthing the Storyworthy: As Dicks puts it, “Every great story ever told is essentially about a five-second moment in a person’s life.” Journaling helps us capture these snippets, the building blocks of stories. It trains us to see our day not as a flat line, but as a landscape filled with potential narratives. Ask yourself: What emotions were triggered by this moment? Did it make you laugh, cry, or ponder something new? Was there a conflict, a connection, or an unexpected twist? By dissecting these tiny moments, we can unearth the seeds of stories waiting to be told.
- Finding the “Normal’s” Spark: Not every day has fireworks. But Dicks reminds us, “There is inherent drama in the everyday.” Our routine can be a wellspring of stories. The trick lies in looking for the hidden gems: the humor in a frustrating situation, the beauty in a familiar routine, or the unexpected connection we make with someone new.
- Transformation Through Reflection: Dicks reminds us that transformation can occur even in the most ordinary moments. By reflecting on these seemingly insignificant experiences, we might discover a shift in perspective, a newfound appreciation, or a deeper understanding of ourself. And that is the golden thread that can weave the magic of story.
This practice has become a game-changer. My writer’s block is a distant memory, replaced by a constant flow of story ideas. It’s not just about the blog; it’s about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. It’s about appreciating every day. It’s about learning and growing every day.
In conclusion, I invite you, my fellow readers, to explore this approach. Have you experimented with similar techniques to overcome writer’s block? Did Matthew Dicks’ focus on finding the storyworthy resonate with you? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
