Stepping out of the box: how stories can inspire growth, development, and change

In this article we explore, on the basis of our research in elite sport, the way that certain culturally prominent stories shape and constrain lives, actions, and identities in ways that threaten development, individuality, well-being, and creativity. Next, we consider how alternative kinds of stories can act as maps or scripts which permit – and even encourage – individuals to step outside normative behaviours and beliefs in ways that promise growth, development, and change. Finally, we draw some parallels between the worlds of sport and business on the basis of narrative theory. These parallels, we suggest, offer an alternative way of providing education and development opportunities to promote not only enhanced performance and creative thinking but also long termwell being and development.