Six word stories can say lots.
Published May 8th, 2008Sometimes when I go out and talk about the ideas in AWNM, I have time do some exercises with the audience.  And one of my new favorites is the six-word memoir,which helps demonstrate and hone the power of story. The idea comes from the endlessly entertaining book, Not Quite What I Was Planning
and not write their autobiographies in just six words.
For example, Stephen Colbert’s six-word memoir is “Well, I thought it was funny.” Another: “Found true love, married someone else.”  There were several gems ones at the business conference I attended today.  Here are a few of my favorites (all penned by people who had about five minutes to think and write.)Â
* Navy blue is my favorite color.  * Did what I was supposed to. * Happy, sad, angry, confident, really happy. * Unsure, but you would never know.
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Andrew on May 8, 2008
Followed the rules; wish I hadn’t.
Dan Pink on May 8, 2008
The story of my life:
Pink. Yes. Just like the color.
Judd6149 on May 9, 2008
“Buy the ticket. Take the ride”
Paul on May 9, 2008
Reminds me of a photographer who handed blank cards to people of all walks of life, asked them to write whatever they liked on it and shot them holding the card. The results were amazing - funny, sad, brave, poignant - every story was there.
My 6 word memoir: Found a new groove almost everyday.
Jeffrey Cufaude on May 9, 2008
Living my fourth draft. Revising regularly.
Mark Juane on May 11, 2008
There’s gotta be a better way.
The Financial Philosopher on May 12, 2008
Be. Know. Do. Become. Reflect. Repeat.
Mad Gringo on May 12, 2008
Ooh, shiny! Change course. Oops. Shiny!
Steve Bannister on May 12, 2008
Hey Dan, thanks for the post!
Eric Grasso on May 12, 2008
Hi Mr. Pink,
Recently you commented on my friend and Principal Ray Dewar’s blog. I was thinking what person has to be like when they are creating constantly and still taking the time to connect with people. I am envious. As a high school math teacher I can’t help but admire your work. You create, edit write, and reflect with a huge audience. I feel my calling is writing and dream to accomplish much more. You have given me a role model. I just want you to know what your focusing on grows. My girlfriend told me to write you and I had it in my mind so when you commentted to Ray I had to sent this. Ray shared your book with me in September and my students know all about your work. I will continue to spread the word on how to know and be yourself.
Not exactly six words, I know
Learn everything until heart can’t beat
Coach Justice on May 13, 2008
Deep as Ocean, Shallow as Puddle.
Mark Dyck on May 13, 2008
Read lots. Thought lots. Did lots.
Hey, that’s kind of like a fortune cookie! Add “Dan’s Books” at the end, sorta.
Read lots of Dan’s Books (OK, two)
Thought lots about Dan’s Books. (true)
Did lots based on Dan’s books (certainly with A Whole New Mind, and starting with Johnny Bunko)
It doesn’t fit near as well as “in bed” but it’s getting there
Lise on May 14, 2008
I forgot it was all a dream!
Penelope on May 14, 2008
Always wanted to be somewhere else
Six words that reveal one’s self
Kirstin Elaine Myers on May 14, 2008
My mom always knew I was gifted.
Eve on May 14, 2008
Yes, I can make that happen.
jack adams on May 15, 2008
Life is what happens
While you’re making other plans.
Or so says my Mom.
I took the HaiKu path Dan
Gertrude Wilkes on May 16, 2008
Walked far away,
started over happy
jack adams on May 17, 2008
Life is short
Art lives on
Steven Stark on May 19, 2008
To thine own self be true.
As usual, Shakespeare said it best.
Dana on May 21, 2008
Expanding your mind with good books. (more of a job description than a memior)
Living, Learning, and Loving my Life! (now that’s a memior)
Mary Jo on May 25, 2008
Life’s path surprised yet delighted me
morningstar on May 25, 2008
Hi,
Just stopped by your blog. Wonderful recommendations on public speaking (I belong to a Toastmasters Club) and on books (going to check out those about writing, which is something I’ve been trying to engage on for some years now).
My life in 6 words (so far):
It all happened inside my head.
Congratulations on a great webpage. Please carry on (for the sake of all of us).
jarrod on May 27, 2008
Rough drafts are all I write.
Shawn Levasseur on June 1, 2008
Roads less traveled are my highways.
Patti Westaway on June 6, 2008
Consistently inconsistent. Yet that is me.
Brunsell on June 13, 2008
Throw ideas to see what sticks
Brett on June 17, 2008
Full of big ideas lacking attention.
Frank Murphy on June 23, 2008
I’m making each day a masterpiece!
When is now a good time?
Sarah Brophy on June 25, 2008
Searching for balance and overdoing it.
brandy on June 27, 2008
Oops! I lost count.
If I may say so on June 29, 2008
Forever exploring, experimenting to become me.
April Moore on June 29, 2008
So much more than I expected