Most all of us have seen a Disney movie at some point in our lives. The story of the main character, the hero, going through a tragedy, then finding them on an adventure. During this adventure, tests appear along with allies and enemies. They fight the good fight, and acquire the reward. Then they travel back home to return and save the day.

More or less, any good story follows this path in one way or another. There is good reason for this. Joseph Campbell wrote a book “A Man with a Thousand Faces” where he talks about the Hero’s Journey. His research shows that what he calls “The Hero’s Journey” is consistent throughout different religions, myths, and cultures.

The Hero’s Journey in Our Own Lives

The Hero’s Journey isn’t just in the movies, books, and theatre. All of us live the Hero’s Journey in our own lives. Each one of us has gone through, will go through, or just finished a journey.

If you were to examine your life, you may find you have been on several Hero’s Journeys.

There are many times that you are called to begin your Hero’s Journey, but you hesitate, and don’t accept the call. The small window closes, and the opportunity is missed.

One of the greatest Hero’s Journeys you can be called to is to build your own business. To step away from the safety of the ordinary world, working for someone else and into the unknown. This is the beginning of your journey. Where you accept the call.

Depending on the length of time you have been building a business, you may have been on several journeys.

The Reward of the Hero’s Journey

When you accept the call and cross over into the unknown, your journey begins.  Along the way, you will grow. You will run into obstacles that test your resolve. There will be obstacles that you will be required to walk through. You will have enemies and mentors show up for you. But when you successfully navigate the tests, obstacles, enemies, and find your mentors, you will receive the reward, and start the journey back home. Once back home, you show up to share what you have learned and the sweet victory of your Hero’s Journey.

I’m sure, that if you look back in your life you will be able to pull out several Hero’s Journeys you have already been through.

Now that you know there is a Hero in each of us, what if you talked to the Hero in each of your prospective new customers or team members?

When you talk to the Hero in someone, you are talking to what you see in them. You are speaking to who they can become. When we talk to the Hero and believe in them, it opens up the ability for them to be inspired and become that hero in their own lives.

When I was working in Direct Sales, and I first met my number one leader, I saw the Hero in her that she did not yet see. I spoke to that Hero, and believed in her. She accepted the call of her own Hero’s Journey and built an incredible business, quit her full-time job, and bought a new home. Her reward was she was able to work for herself, from her own home, and be with her children more. She was able to share what she had learned and helped hundreds of women do the same. But the biggest reward was what she taught her children in the process. How to overcome obstacles, gracefully move through tests, fight the enemy of doubt and fear, to work hard, and go for your dreams.

If you are stepping out and starting your own Hero’s Journey, in the midst of your Hero’s Journey, or about to begin one, then here are a few things to help you on your path:

1. When you get the call pay attention. This journey is never a comfortable one and will require you to step out of your comfort zone. It will require you to do things you have never done before but the reward will be great. Your journey will be an amazing one.

2. When you step out of your comfort zone (the ordinary world) you will be tested. Expect it. This is where you will learn and grow, and where you will gain the skills to move forward in your business.

3. Beware of your enemy. Your two biggest enemies you will run into are fear and doubt. Have faith. Fear and faith cannot occupy the same space. Trust yourself and what you know. Trust that the way will be shown to you if you pay attention, and do your part. It won’t always look like you think it should.

4. Embrace your mentors. Seek them out, and ask for support. This will shorten your learning curve and reduce the number of tests and obstacles you face. Great businesses are not built alone.

5. Share the reward. When you return home, and you’ve reached your goal, share what you have learned. Speak to the Hero in your prospective new customers and team members.

When you are willing to walk your own Hero’s Journey, and share your experience, you inspire others to become their own Hero.

A warm welcome to this week’s new subscribers! I’m so glad you’re here.