Have you ever felt stuck, but know you are on the edge of change?

Have you felt that moment of fear or hesitation when you knew deep down that something was about to change? Or maybe you are in a familiar place but feel stuck, at a crossroads, wondering which way to turn. 

According to writer Joseph Campbell, this would qualify you as being on a hero's journey, or the start of one. When you think of a hero, what do you think of? Maybe they are strong, courageous, and never have a bad hair day. Thinking of yourself as a hero in your own life is perhaps the thing you cannot believe about yourself. I hope that after reading this, you might have a different opinion.

What is the hero’s journey?

Most stories follow a very similar plot that we can all subconsciously relate to. Joseph Campbell introduced this idea in his book Hero with a Thousand Faces. In it, he argued that the everyday struggles we all face are not random and that there is a pattern to our lives. He called this the "hero's journey" or "monomyth". The hero is someone who starts off in their ordinary world but then faces a problem or a test.

Growth happens when we answer the call to adventure and step out of our comfort zones. The call to adventure sounds dramatic, but it can be just a small, quiet feeling, or disquiet that starts to grow. Maybe you are unhappy in your work, or you need to have that honest conversation. This feeling is meant to be uncomfortable, and it can be scary. It's tempting to wait until life seems easier before taking a leap into the unknown. The most courageous thing is to act, even if that means coping with the uncertainty.

Making stepping outside your comfort zone more manageable

Small, imperfect steps can make change feel far more manageable:

Starting small

Do your research, talk to others, or find someone in the same situation as you to bounce ideas with.

Letting go of perfection

Release yourself from the idea that you must make it perfect from the get-go. Messy ideas and jumbled-up thoughts will become clear as time moves on. Journaling might help with this.

Embracing trial and error

Give yourself permission to make mistakes, try things on, and put them down again. What looks right now may not work later, and that's OK.

Feeling nervous is a natural feeling in this part of your journey, and fear and doubt might start to set in. You might ask yourself if this is the right time, or whether you really have the means to even start this. This part is not a weakness, but rather a natural reaction to facing the unknown. You could be spurred on again by something as simple as hearing a podcast, reading a passage in a book, or being given an encouraging word.

This is where the hard part begins, and you will face trials, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Maybe you have started a new career, and you feel like you are back at the starting line. Or everybody else is ahead of you, and you wonder whether this has been the right move after all.

Reminders for when you are facing trials and setbacks

Setbacks are part of the process, and a few simple reminders can help you stay on track:

Recognise your progress

Remember where you came from and how far you have come. Maybe a year ago, you hadn't even started on where you are now. Struggling now does not mean you have failed.

Growth takes time

This part is crucial and is transformative for growth. Being tested builds resourcefulness, and you're doing it right if it feels uncomfortable or slow. Everyone you admire has been through this, too.

Focus on consistency

How you feel about it day by day is not a reliable indicator. Noticing patterns over time is a more reliable factor than having a few bad days. Consistency is key.

You know the story. At the end, the hero returns home, but they are not the same person. They have been transformed by their experiences. The real victory is not what treasure they managed to bring back, or what other people think of them now. The real victory is internal: what they have learnt about themselves, the inner wisdom they have gained, and a new sense of purpose. Have you seen this in yourself when you took that difficult exam or started a new relationship? They are all huge risks; in the end, you came through it and are changed.

What to notice about your change

You may notice your feelings of clarity and competence. Celebrate this part and what you have achieved. Don't underestimate what you have done in order to get through. Share your experiences with others. You will notice more readily when others are having their calls to adventure or are deep in their trials. Knowing that we all share common struggles makes us feel less alone.

The next time you are called to your call to adventure, you may recognise it and know that you managed it. The reality is that we all have many calls to adventure throughout our lives.

So, the next time you feel 'stuck', or you are faced with fear and self-doubt, ask yourself if you are hearing your own call to adventure. I hope you let yourself take the leap. 

Where are you in your hero’s journey?