How Our Stories Create Our Reality
Jan 15, 2026
I’ve been thinking a lot about the “stories” we tell. I don’t mean actual narratives with a beginning, middle and end. I mean the internal mental stories that shape how we interpret the situations, people and events in our lives. A classic example takes place on the road…
Imagine that you’re driving on a busy street and someone cuts you off. Without thinking, your body’s defence systems kick in - your heart rate and blood pressure spike as your foot jams on the brakes. Just as automatically, your mind creates a story - ‘that guy’s an inconsiderate jerk who doesn’t care about anyone but themself.’ The crisis has been averted but you continue to stew in the juices of that story. For the next 5 miles, you ruminate on how selfish people are and you even fantasize about taking retribution. Your heart rate and blood pressure remain elevated and your mood plummets.
But it’s just a story. It’s one of many possible stories that could explain the situation.
Sure, it’s totally possible that your initial story of the other driver being a selfish jerk is accurate. The thing is, you’ll never know for sure. One thing is certain - that story has concrete outcomes. Outcomes that don’t make for an awesome day (unless your definition of an awesome day includes being crabby and stressed out.)
Since you’ll never know the real reason they cut you off, you might as well tell a story that serves you. Perhaps they just didn’t see you before changing lanes (how many times have we done that ourselves?) Or maybe someone cut them off, causing them to have to swerve into your lane. Or just maybe they are a pediatric surgeon rushing to the hospital to save the life of a child.
What happens when you tell one of those other stories? In my experience, each of those other stories lead to a better day (and I have indeed told those alternate stories on the road.) I’m calmer and more forgiving, and I move on from the incident much more quickly.
It’s totally natural to jump to the worst stories but those unconscious interpretations can cause real problems. The trick is to remember in the moment that they are just stories. With practice, we can learn to be intentional about our stories so we can make the most out of any situation.
“The stories we tell literally make the world. If you want to change the world, you need to change your story.”
Michael Margolis
In addition to keynote addresses, I offer workshops and coaching to help teams get unstuck. If that sounds like you, contact me to explore a customized workshop and coaching program.
Speaking and Workshops
Keynotes to give your team a fresh perspective
Over the past two decades, I’ve been fortunate to present at over a thousand events for tens of thousands of people. Both of my programs, (We've Always Done It That Way and The Inside Story), can be delivered as a keynote address for hundreds or as a workshop for small groups.
Once the keynote or workshop is over, you can keep the ball rolling with one-on-one or team coaching (see the Change That Matters Program above.) This allows you to build upon the learnings and really apply them to your own situation.
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Challenge Assumptions and Create More Change That Matters
A keynote for audiences in need of new ways of thinking.
What you know for certain could be exactly why you’re stuck.
The thinking, processes, and attitudes that got you where you are have served their purpose. You’ve found lots of right answers and developed systems to get things done. That’s great as long as things are going as expected. But these past few years have taught us just how unpredictable the world really is. Now it’s time to shift our thinking and take the next steps to succeed.
By challenging our assumptions, we can move past our preconceived notions of the ‘right answers.’ Perhaps more than at any time in history, we need to find new ways of thinking and doing things.
As always I use eye-popping magic, stories, and optical illusions as powerful visual metaphors to create a sense of wonder and astonishment. This is not only thoroughly engaging and fun, but research shows that there’s a transformative power in wonder and awe. It empowers each person in the room to apply the learning to their own lives.
Keynote or workshop participants will learn…
… how to get out of the “same-old-thinking-rut” and find new solutions
… how to identify and challenge the limiting assumptions that hold us back
… how to see the world from new perspectives so they can create more change that matters.
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Interrogating Our Internal Narratives to Create Meaningful Change
A keynote for audiences navigating change.
We humans are hardwired to interpret the world through stories. Our unconscious assumptions and narratives can quietly create misunderstandings and missed opportunities. But we can ‘tell different stories’ that lead to better results. Participants will leave with practical tools to improve collaboration, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change at work.
To make these unconscious stories clear, I use magic, stories, and optical illusions as visual metaphors. This empowers participants to see themselves in the content and apply the learning to their own lives.
This program can be delivered as an interactive keynote address or workshop.
Keynote or workshop participants will leave with…
… critical self-awareness of their assumptions
… a deep understanding that our personal interpretations are not universal
… a simple model to recognize and change the internal narratives that shape our interpretation of events
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“Your session was entertaining, intriguing and left them wanting more.”
Shelley Judges – TD Bank
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“After seeing your performance and witnessing how everyone was thoroughly entertained, I’m happy to report that it was money well spent and worth every penny!”
Tracie Kellar - Hettich Canada
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"Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant... "
Jacqui Spencer - Roche
About Dan
Not Your Ordinary Wonder Worker
For over 25 years I’ve used magic to captivate and entertain at corporate and private events across North America. I’m proud to say that I’m a repeat performer at the world-famous Magic Castle (the most prestigious magic venue in the world). While all my magic is family-friendly, my presentations are tailored to engage and amaze intelligent adults. It’s not just a bunch of tricks - it’s an interactive experience that challenges assumptions and makes you think (which makes sense given that I’m also a renowned keynote speaker.)
Above all, my goal is to craft extraordinary moments without causing any embarrassment or making anyone feel foolish. When it comes to entertainment, your event's success and your guests' enjoyment are my top priorities.
Are you still reading?! Let’s talk.
I’d love to hear about your event to see if I'm a good fit. Give me a call or text at 647-345-6986, or drop me a line using this form.
