A friend of mine, Mehvish Razvi, said something in passing that has echoed in my mind ever since:
“Everyone creates a protective narrative—and sometimes, that narrative is what sabotages them.”
We all do it. We all build stories—about ourselves, our past, our circumstances, and the world around us. These stories feel safe. They justify our actions (or inaction). They keep us from feeling like we’ve failed, because they offer a reason why things are the way they are.
But what if the story is the problem?
What if the narrative that’s meant to protect you is actually the thing holding you hostage?
The Protective Narrative Trap
“I’ve tried everything.”
“This is just how I am.”
“I always lose motivation.”
“No program ever works for me.”
These sound like facts. But they’re often not. They’re stories—crafted to protect us from disappointment, failure, or effort. They’re often rooted in truth, yes. But they’re also laced with avoidance, fear, and assumptions.
The protective narrative is seductive because it shields you from taking full responsibility. It says, “The problem isn’t me, it’s the world. It’s my metabolism. It’s my age. It’s my stress. It’s just how things are.”
But let’s get honest: have you really tried everything? Have you ever followed something with full commitment, guidance, and structure over a sustained period of time?
For many people, the answer is no. Not truly. Not long enough. Not consistently enough. Not with enough skin in the game.
The Hunger Gap
Mehvish went on to say:
“I think that’s what separates people. Right? For the things that I want—there’s no sacrifice I wouldn’t make. Truly. For my dreams, for my success… I’m here ready to shed blood—figuratively, not literally—but I mean that. I’ll share my blood happily. That’s how much I want it.”
And there it is. Hunger.
Some people are truly willing to bleed for their dreams. They’ll trade comfort for discomfort. Safety for uncertainty. Excuses for execution.
Others cling to their protective narratives because it means they don’t have to confront the pain of real effort—or the risk of failure. If the story is that it’s not possible, they don’t have to prove themselves wrong.
But hunger changes that. Hunger overrides hesitation. Hunger shatters stories that no longer serve you.
Rewrite the Story
If you’re tired of being stuck, it might be time to ask:
- What story am I telling myself that’s keeping me here?
- What would happen if I let that story go?
- What could change if I committed like my life depended on it?
You don’t need another diet, another plan, or another pep talk.
You need to stop protecting yourself from the thing you actually want.
Let go of the narrative.
Pick up the pen.
Write a new one.
Because no matter what your past looks like, your future is still unwritten—and you’re holding the ink.
The only thing stopping you from having what you want is the story you keep coming up with as to why you can’t have it.
Maybe it’s time to rewrite the story.
