People often ask me how I remain confident and steadfast despite the many challenges I have faced and continue to experience on my path to success. My answer is simple: I view my life as a story unfolding—a journey filled with highs, lows, and unexpected detours, but always with a guaranteed happy ending if I keep going.
I accept that there will be difficult moments, but I trust that every obstacle I encounter will be worth the reward of reaching my desired destination. The story isn't over until I have landed where I am meant to be. It hit me recently—I live my life according to Joseph Campbell's Monomyth, better known as The Hero's Journey.
The Hero's Journey: A Powerful Framework for Growth
The Hero’s Journey is a universal story structure found in countless myths, books, and movies. It follows a protagonist who embarks on an adventure, faces trials, gains wisdom, overcomes a great challenge, and ultimately returns transformed. Think of your favorite film—chances are, the main character follows a path much like this:
They feel inspired to change.
They face adversity and self-doubt.
By the end, they triumph—wiser, stronger, and ready to embrace their new life.
This framework isn't just for storytelling—it’s a roadmap for real-life transformation. And for me, it has been an anchor during my biggest career transition.
My Hero's Journey: From Corporate Success to Nonprofit Fulfillment
I traveled a parallel path when I transitioned from the for-profit to the nonprofit sector. I had successfully climbed the corporate ladder, yet I felt unfulfilled. I knew I was meant to make a greater impact in the world.
Leaving behind a stable career to follow my calling wasn't easy. There were moments when I questioned myself, times when it felt like everything was falling apart. But I reminded myself: I’m just in the middle of the movie—this is the part where the hero struggles before they rise.
That perspective gave me the grit and determination to push forward. And in the end, I landed my dream job at my favorite charity, proving that every challenge was worth the journey.
The 12 Stages of The Hero's Journey
Whether you're chasing your dream job, transitioning to a new industry, or launching your own business, understanding these stages will give you the strength and motivation to keep moving forward:
Ordinary World – Your starting point, before change begins. This is your comfort zone—perhaps a stable but unfulfilling job.
Call to Adventure – Something happens that pushes you toward a new path. Maybe it's a sudden realization or an unexpected opportunity.
Refusal of the Call – You hesitate, questioning whether you have what it takes. Fear and doubt become your temporary companions.
Meeting the Mentor – You find guidance, whether from a mentor, book, or experience that prepares you for what's ahead.
Crossing the First Threshold – You take the leap and leave behind the familiar. This might be submitting your resignation or launching your business.
Tests, Allies, Enemies – Challenges arise. You meet supporters and face obstacles. Each challenge teaches you something valuable.
Approach – You move closer to your goal but face setbacks that require new strategies and adaptations.
Ordeal – The toughest challenge yet. A moment of crisis where you question everything—but also where the greatest growth happens.
Reward – You overcome the challenge and gain something valuable—new skills, insights, or opportunities.
The Road Back – You return to your world, transformed but still facing final tests as you integrate your new success.
Resurrection – A last challenge pushes you to fully embrace your growth and newfound wisdom.
Return with the Elixir – You use your knowledge to help others or shape your future, becoming a guide for those on similar paths.
Your Career is a Hero's Journey
Using this framework can empower you to design the career and life you truly desire. It helps you:
Embrace the unknown – Every great journey starts with uncertainty. Push through challenges – Struggles are part of growth. Keep going. Trust your transformation – Your setbacks will shape you into someone stronger. Write your own ending – If you're not happy, the story isn’t over yet.
The beauty of The Hero’s Journey is that it’s cyclical—whenever you feel called for more, face a new challenge, or strive for growth, you begin a new journey.
If you feel stuck or unfulfilled, remind yourself: This is not the end of your story. Keep going.
Your happy ending is still being written.
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