You know that voice in your head that constantly tells the story of your day?
Maybe you’re walking into a meeting thinking… Here we go, I’m probably going to mess this up again. Or you might be replaying a memory with a twist: See, this proves I can’t trust anyone.
That’s not just idle chatter. Psychologists call this narrative identity.
Narrative identity is the internal story we weave about who we are, where we came from, and where we’re headed. And this self-narration is powerful.
It’s not only a description of your life, but also it creates the lens through which you experience it.
In this piece, we’re going to explore self-narration and how it can help and hurt you. And I’ll share a practical tip for re-writing your narrative when it doesn’t serve you. As always, for a deeper dive, you can listen to the latest episode of Mental Health Bites here or on Apple Podcasts. You can also find more short clips and helpful tips at my YouTube channel.
Let’s jump in.
The Science Behind Self-Narration
Humans are wired for narrative, and our brain is a storyteller.
Neuroscience shows that when we recall events, our brain isn’t replaying a video of the event, rather it’s reconstructing the story. Each time we retell it, we edit slightly, adding emphasis and trimming details. And, over time, our stories become our truths.
These stories, in turn, shape our identity. Research by psychologist Dan McAdams shows that people who create “redemption stories”—where setbacks are reframed as growth opportunities—tend to have higher resilience, stronger relationships, and better mental health. In contrast, “contamination stories”—where positive events are overshadowed by negativity—are linked with depression and hopelessness.
Are You Caught in a Problematic Storyline?
A problematic storyline, or self-narrative, can lead to self-sabotage. Consider the storyline you find yourself in. Are you the “responsible oldest child”? The “black sheep”? The “late bloomer”? These archetypes guide how you see yourself, even if you never consciously chose them.
Signs you might be caught in a problematic storyline include:
* you repeat the same self-criticism daily,
* your memories replay with a negative “moral of the story,” and
* you notice you narrate ahead, predicting failure before things happen.
However, just as your self-narration can fuel self-sabotage, it can also spark transformation. That’s why learning to recognize and rewrite your inner storyline is one of the most powerful psychological tools we have.
Rewriting Your Self-Narrative: A Practical Tip
This technique, which I like to call “The Story Swap,” is a great way to actively rewrite your inner storyline.
Here’s how to do it:
* Catch the Narration. The next time you notice your inner voice narrating something like, Of course this went wrong, I’m cursed, catch yourself, pause, and name it. Tell yourself: That’s a story I’m telling.
* Check the Genre. Ask yourself: Is this a redemption story? (think: growth, resilience, meaning, etc.) or Is this a contamination story? (think: failure, shame, hopelessness, etc.)
* Swap the Frame. Write a new version of the story. For example, a contamination story (my relationship ended because I’m unlovable) becomes a redemption story (my relationship ended, and while it hurt, I’m learning what I need in love and building a healthier future).
* Practice Out Loud. Say your new story to yourself. Or write it down. The more you rehearse it, the more your brain encodes this as your “default version.”
Try this once a day for a week. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your brain starts to reach for redemptive narratives instead of contaminated ones.
Everyday Is A New Paragraph In Your Story — Make This One a Turning Point.
The narratives we tell ourselves are an important part of our lives. When you start to re-write your narrative, at first it might feel uncomfortable—like you’re faking positivity—but you’re not; you’re telling the fuller, more empowering truth of your life.
We all have our rough days, where a less than ideal self-narrative starts to sneak in. So, if this piece resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who might need to hear it. You never know how much it might help.
If this piece resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with someone you think might benefit.
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About me:
Dr. Judy Ho, Ph. D., ABPP, ABPdN is a triple board certified and licensed Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, a tenured Associate Professor at Pepperdine University, television and podcast host, and author of Stop Self-Sabotage. An avid researcher and a two-time recipient of the National Institute of Mental Health Services Research Award, Dr. Judy maintains a private practice where she specializes in comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations and expert witness work. She is often called on by the media as an expert psychologist and is also a sought after public speaker for universities, businesses, and organizations.
Dr. Judy received her bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Business Administration from UC Berkeley, and her masters and doctorate from SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. She completed a National Institute of Mental Health sponsored fellowship at UCLA’s Semel Institute.
