Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai #1: Frameworks—The Invisible Structure Behind Every Great Idea
Dive into the fascinating world of frameworks that turn chaos into clarity. Discover how frameworks shape ideas, boost productivity, and drive success in business and personal growth. From structured decision-making to enhancing creativity, learn why these invisible structures matter. The hosts explore memorable examples and personal journeys, illustrating how effective frameworks can revolutionize communication and storytelling. Tune in for insights that could transform your approach to achieving goals!
24:56
Frameworks as Operating Systems
- Frameworks are the underlying structure of successful ideas, brands, and trends.
- Understanding frameworks helps you analyze successes and apply those principles.
Discovering Frameworks
- Donald Miller's superpower is discovering frameworks for businesses and personal life.
- Kyle Reed realized that frameworks structure everything from work to family life.
Frameworks as Rules and Boundaries
- Frameworks are defined as rules and boundaries that streamline activity and processes.
- Examples like P90X and Donald Miller's 2025 workout plan illustrate how frameworks provide structure.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
The Power of Frameworks: Structuring Ideas for Success
01:59 • 6min
The Journey of Discovering Frameworks in Personal Development
07:50 • 2min
The Power of Frameworks in Success
10:10 • 12min
Exploring Frameworks and Creative Storytelling
22:13 • 3min
Story
Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting
Robert McKee
In *Story*, Robert McKee provides a detailed and integrated explanation of the craft of writing for the screen. The book expands on the concepts he teaches in his highly regarded seminars, offering insights into the relationship between structure and character, and the underlying principles that make a story compelling. McKee draws from a wide range of sources, including Aristotle and classic films, to offer practical advice on storytelling that is applicable to screenwriters, novelists, playwrights, and non-fiction writers.
The War of Art
Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Steven Pressfield
In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.
Save the Cat
Blake Snyder
In 'Save the Cat!', Blake Snyder provides a detailed analysis of the three-act structure and introduces his 15-beat sheet, a method for structuring screenplays. The book covers key elements such as the Opening Image, Catalyst, Debate, Break into Two, B Story, Fun and Games, Midpoint, Bad Guys Close In, All Is Lost, Dark Night of the Soul, Break into Three, Finale, and Final Image. Snyder also discusses the importance of making the hero likable through the 'Save the Cat' rule and breaks down successful films to illustrate his points. The book is widely regarded as a definitive resource for screenwriters, offering practical advice and a clear framework for storytelling.
Building A StoryBrand
Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen
Donald Miller
In this book, Donald Miller presents the StoryBrand Framework, a proven system to help businesses effectively communicate with their customers. The framework is based on the seven universal elements of powerful stories, which include identifying the customer's desires, problems, and the role of the guide who provides a plan and calls to action. Miller emphasizes the importance of simplifying brand messages, creating clear and compelling marketing materials, and positioning the brand as a guide rather than a hero. This approach has helped numerous businesses, from small startups to large corporations, to significantly improve their customer engagement and revenue.
The Seven Basic Plots
Christopher Booker
The Miracle Morning
The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM)
Hal Elrod
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod provides a step-by-step process to transform your life by starting your day with six powerful practices: Silence (meditation), Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing (journaling). This updated and expanded edition includes new content such as The Miracle Evening and The Miracle Life, helping readers optimize their bedtime and sleep, and begin their path to inner freedom. The book has helped millions of people become the person they need to be to create the life they’ve always wanted.
On Writing
A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King
This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C.V.'), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.
Atomic Habits
James Clear
Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth[2][4][5].
Building A StoryBrand
Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen
Donald Miller
In this book, Donald Miller presents the StoryBrand Framework, a proven system to help businesses effectively communicate with their customers. The framework is based on the seven universal elements of powerful stories, which include identifying the customer's desires, problems, and the role of the guide who provides a plan and calls to action. Miller emphasizes the importance of simplifying brand messages, creating clear and compelling marketing materials, and positioning the brand as a guide rather than a hero. This approach has helped numerous businesses, from small startups to large corporations, to significantly improve their customer engagement and revenue.
Protocols: An Operating Manual for the Human Body
Andrew Huberman
Protocols provides simple, powerful, and evidence-based solutions to life’s most common challenges. Designed to improve your mental health, physical health, and performance, these guidelines are customizable, allowing you to adapt them to your specific needs. With his clear and engaging style, Dr. Huberman explains the scientific principles behind each protocol and how they can deliver immediate, effective results. Protocols is your essential road map for achieving optimal health.
Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs
Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs
None
Abraham Maslow
Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. The needs at the bottom of the pyramid are basic physical requirements, such as food and shelter. As these needs are met, higher-level needs, such as belonging and self-esteem, become more important. The highest level is self-actualization, the realization of one's full potential. The theory has had a significant impact on various fields, including business and education.
Bring It On
Laura Anne Gilman
Bring It On is a musical based on the popular film series of the same name. It follows the story of a competitive cheerleading squad and their journey to victory. The musical features high-energy choreography, catchy songs, and explores themes of friendship, competition, and self-discovery.
Start with Why
How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
Simon Sinek
In 'Start with Why', Simon Sinek introduces the concept of 'The Golden Circle', which consists of 'Why', 'How', and 'What'. He argues that successful leaders and organizations start with their purpose or 'Why', which inspires loyalty and trust. Sinek uses examples such as Apple, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Wright Brothers to illustrate how this approach can lead to significant influence and success. The book emphasizes the importance of leadership and purpose in inspiring others and achieving long-term success.
Building A StoryBrand
Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen
Donald Miller
In this book, Donald Miller presents the StoryBrand Framework, a proven system to help businesses effectively communicate with their customers. The framework is based on the seven universal elements of powerful stories, which include identifying the customer's desires, problems, and the role of the guide who provides a plan and calls to action. Miller emphasizes the importance of simplifying brand messages, creating clear and compelling marketing materials, and positioning the brand as a guide rather than a hero. This approach has helped numerous businesses, from small startups to large corporations, to significantly improve their customer engagement and revenue.
On Writing
A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King
This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C.V.'), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.
Zen in the art of writing
Ray Bradbury
This book is a series of essays that delve into Bradbury's personal experiences and wisdom on writing. It explores the creative process, the importance of imagination, and the role of passion and enthusiasm in writing. Bradbury shares practical tips on finding original ideas, developing one's voice and style, and the necessity of consistent writing practice. The essays emphasize the joy of creation, the integration of life experiences into writing, and the importance of embracing failures as part of the learning process. The book is a blend of biography and instruction, making it a valuable resource for aspiring writers[2][3][5].
Whether you realize it or not, frameworks structure the world around us. They help us make decisions faster, simplify complex processes, and are the reason so many bestselling books and billion-dollar businesses succeed. Without clear frameworks, progress can feel chaotic and goals seem unattainable. So, why are frameworks so effective, and how can you create one to make life and business simpler?
In this debut episode of Why That Worked, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed dive into the art and science of frameworks. They break down why frameworks are the driving force behind countless world-changing ideas and reveal how thought leaders, entrepreneurs, or anyone aiming for more clarity can leverage them. Listen in and discover how to turn your ideas into actionable frameworks that inspire success.
Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. Trusted by thousands of businesses to create clear, effective messaging, it’s your turn to put it to work. Go to StoryBrand.ai to have it write your marketing and messaging assets for you!
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