Your Life Needs a Subplot
How to enrich your personal and professional story.
TL;DR Version:
Subplots aren’t just for literature. They’re also for life. Some call them “hobbies,” but a true subplot for your life is deeper than that—they add more meaning and purpose to your personal and professional Story.
#1. A subplot for your life expands your horizons.
#2. A subplot for your life enhances your knowledge.
#3. A subplot for your life energizes your purpose.
What’s your subplot?
Regular Version:
I struggle with subplots.
When I’m writing fiction, I have a tendency to want to bring every idea into the primary story arc. And yet I know that when a book is lacking in subplots, it feels flat and one-dimensional.
Same with life.
Your life needs a subplot—something you do or belong to outside of whatever your professional calling happens to be.
It could be a hobby that allows you to add movement to your life, it could be your faith, it could be volunteering, or a million other things. But me and my guest Charlie Daly had a whole chat about it on the podcast this week:
Driven individuals struggle to create meaningful subplots for life. We tend to feel like we can only justify an activity if we can directly connect it to our professional plot. So for me, this would sound like:
“I’m going to read This Book because it will help me be a better writer, even though I’d rather read That Book for sheer enjoyment.”
“Ugh, I’m so behind on stuff this week, I’m going to skip church.”
“I should go on a run because the selfie would make a good LinkedIn post.”
Instead, my life would be more enriched if my thoughts sounded more like:
“I’m going to read That Book even though it has no direct correlation to my work because I know I’ll enjoy it.”
“Faith not only shapes my identity, but going to church this week will help me reset my spirit, connect with others, and put me in a better mood.”
“I should go on a run because it’s good for my mental, physical, and spiritual health.”
Reframed in this way, having a subplot for your life isn’t just about having a “hobby.” It’s about tapping into your core identity, infusing your life with additional energy and meaning. And when done right, the energy you gain from your subplot pours over into your primary plot, enriching it. Just like what a good subplot does in literature.
Consider some of the benefits:
#1. A subplot for your life expands your horizons.
It introduces you to new ideas and new people. You might discover new passions from it.
#2. A subplot for your life enhances your knowledge.
You don’t need to be an expert at your subplot, just a willing participant. You’ll gain knowledge you can use in other parts of your life, including your professional plot.
#3. A subplot for your life energizes your purpose.
A great subplot for your life will hold up your professional plot, infusing it with additional meaning and purpose.
Now, get out there and get subplotting.
And if you’re looking for a way to integrate your subplot into your professional plot’s content strategy, book a free 20-minute Q&A and let’s chat about it.
Until next time, keep telling your story.
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