05-Real Storytelling, Real You: Brand with Heart (Without the Burnout)

Let’s just call it out: forcing yourself to fake it for your brand is a one-way ticket to burnout city, especially if you’re someone who already struggles with executive function or interest-based motivation. I see you. I am you. And I’m here to tell you: there’s a better way.

Why Authenticity Is a Survival Tool, Not Just a Buzzword

When you’re neurodivergent or have some tendencies that make your brain a little spicy, you likely already know what it’s like to work against your natural wiring. And if you’re like most of us, doing that for the sake of a “brand image” feels gross at best and impossible at worst.

Authentic storytelling isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s your superpower. Your brain probably doesn't light up for marketing fluff, but it might spark when you’re talking about how your product helped someone, how you messed up and learned, or what you care about deeply. That’s the stuff people want to connect with anyway.

How to Weave in Realness (Without the Meltdown)

Let’s simplify the storytelling part so it works with your brain instead of draining it.

Here’s what helps:

• Use interest as your compass. If it bores you, your audience will probably feel that too. Let your storytelling follow what lights you up, even if it feels “off-topic.” Your passion makes it relevant.

• Start from memory, not marketing. Instead of brainstorming content like a strategist, try thinking like a human. What’s a real moment that stuck with you, good or bad? Start there.

• Skip the pressure to “package” it. Let the story be a bit messy if it needs to. People don’t need a perfect arc; they need to feel something honest.

• Use structure only if it helps. If executive dysfunction makes you spiral with “where do I even start?” use a scaffold. (There’s a prompt below that does just that.)

A Tiny Story Example

Let’s say you sell handmade journals. Instead of saying, “Our journals help you reflect more deeply,” you might tell the story of the time you wrote down a truth you were scared to admit, even to yourself, and how it changed something. That’s the magic. That’s what people lean into, and trust.

Your Brain-Friendly ChatGPT Prompt

If writing feels hard today, try this ChatGPT prompt...it is so so good:

Prompt:
“Act like a brand storytelling coach for someone with ADHD who burns out easily and struggles with executive function. Ask me one question at a time to help me come up with an authentic brand story based on my real experiences or beliefs. Keep each step small and low-pressure.”

This prompt builds in pacing, guidance, and space for your brain to warm up. Try it out when you feel stuck.

You don’t have to fake it. In fact, your best branding happens when you refuse to.

With so much belief in your story,

Janell

P.S. If you're looking for a little extra accountability and support, my brand new group coaching membership is opening this week! So, for early access and locked in pricing UNDER $30 a month...reply to this email :-)