Your Hero’s Journey

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Desmond Dodd, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.

Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in your own personal “Groundhog Day,” repeating the same routines while wondering when your epic transformation into a wise, accomplished hero is supposed to kick in? I’ve felt that way, especially over the past five years since leaving a stable, full-time job and embarking on varied business and personal growth projects.

I attended a writing workshop recently that offered me a new perspective. It was all about the Hero’s Journey—a timeless storytelling framework—and it made me realize something humbling: despite years of growth, transitions, successes, and personal development, I’m still at the beginning of my own journey.

I’ve been reflecting on how this narrative applies to real lives, including my own. And the more I think about the more I realize that the call to adventure isn’t always glamorous. Crossing the threshold into the “special world” doesn’t instantly make you a invincible warrior. But that’s the beauty of it! Embracing the unpredictable milestones and letting go of attachment to specific outcomes on your Hero’s Journey can lead to profound growth. So it might make sense to lighten up along the way.

What Is the Hero’s Journey, and Why Does It Matter?

The Hero’s Journey is a storytelling framework popularized by Joseph Campbell in his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces. If that’s not familiar to you, think classic epics stories like the Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aneid, or modern popular stories like George Lucas’s Star Wars and Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games. Neo’s journey in The Matrix is another example that follows the hero’s path as he transforms from an unaware hacker to “The One,” guided by mentors and trials, ultimately becoming a savior who frees humanity. They create a cyclical adventure where the hero leaves their ordinary world, faces challenges in a world outside the ordinary, grows through trials, and eventually returns as a transformed hero.

This story model isn’t just for ancient myths, fantasy novels or blockbuster movies. It’s your story and my story too—whether you’re launching a business, navigating career changes, or simply trying to figure out what to cook for dinner without Googling “easy recipes” for the hundredth time. But for too many, the real story, or tragedy, is that they stay where they are comfortable and resist. It only works if you answer the call.

The Cycle in Action

During the workshop, I received a handout that broke down the Hero’s Journey into key stages. It begins with a call to Adventure, or that moment when you feel nudged (or shoved) toward something new. The hero quickly or reluctantly crosses a threshold, leaving a comfort zone behind and entering unfamiliar territory. Next come some initial tests, and allies and enemies are discovered who support or hinder growth. The journey then progresses into several more stages where big transformation occurs and hard-earned wisdom comes from overcoming obstacles.

I realized that while I’ve crossed some thresholds and met plenty of tests (imposter syndrome, for example, as I ventured into new areas), I’m still early in my journey—learning about allies, battling inner enemies and people who weren’t genuinely supporting me in my life. I’m still learning what transformation might look like for me. Knowing the journey is a long one can be scary. Or exciting if I allow it to be.

Recognizing the Hero’s Journey

1. The Call to Adventure Doesn’t Always Feel Epic

In movies, the call to adventure is often dramatic—a prophecy, a mysterious letter, or even an alien invasion. In real life, though, it’s usually subtler. About five years ago I started taking on a variety of independent work assignments in my post-corporate consulting work in marketing and communications. These short- to medium-term projects ranged from deeply meaningful endeavors to tasks that felt more like chores. Over time, I realized I needed to focus my energy on work that truly mattered to me. Now, I can almost immediately feel whether strategic communications and writing assignments are aligned with my values, and accept or reject them easily. That’s given me time to pursue personal passions as a chef, winemaker, and writer—through both paid and unpaid opportunities. Additionally, I’ve found fulfillment in supporting others in their own transformations through coaching and fostering meaningful connections that comes along with them. These experiences also sparked my interest in pursuing coaching, a process that evolved over five years.

This journey wasn’t sparked by a sudden epiphany or divine intervention; instead, it evolved through a gradual increase in self-awareness. By reflecting on each experience and milestone, I gained a deeper understanding of what truly resonated with me, empowering me to make intentional choices aligned with my values and passions.

If your call feels small or ordinary, don’t dismiss it. Every hero starts somewhere—often with doubts and mismatched socks.

2. Crossing the Threshold Is Scary (and That’s Normal)

Leaving your comfort zone is hard—whether it’s switching careers, slowing the pace of chasing paid work, or sharing your own writing publicly. For me, attending that workshop recently helped me acknowledge that I had already passed a threshold into vulnerability: admitting I don’t have all the answers yet. It requires a new mindset. Think about the Zen concept of beginner’s mind (shoshin), which refers to approaching life with an attitude of openness, curiosity, and lack of preconceptions, as if encountering something for the first time. It emphasizes humility and receptiveness, allowing for fresh perspectives and deeper learning.

Courage doesn’t mean fear disappears; it means showing up anyway. You can tackle whatever challenge lies ahead.

3. Tests Are Inevitable (and Allies Are Priceless)

Once you step into the special world of growth and change, you’ll face tests—some external (like deadlines, old patterns that no longer serve you, or resistance from family and friends) and some internal (like self-doubt). But here’s where allies come in: mentors, new friends, colleagues who cheer you on when things get tough.

During my workshop, I met some retired men and women who shared their own struggles with creative writing after years of putting the pen down. We agreed to form a writing circle. Their honesty reminded me that no hero succeeds alone—and neither will I.

4. Growth Isn’t Linear (and That’s Part of the Fun)

One thing the Hero’s Journey teaches us is that transformation isn’t immediate—it’s messy and nonlinear. You’ll stumble, face setbacks, and question whether you’re cut out for this journey at all.

But here’s what I’m learning: every misstep is part of the process. Growth doesn’t happen in straight lines; it happens in spirals—revisiting old challenges with new perspectives until one day you look back and realize how far you’ve come.

How to Embrace Your Own Hero’s Journey

If you’re wondering where you are on your Hero’s Journey—or how to move forward—here are some tips that can guide you to action:

1. Answer Your Call

Pay attention to those nudges urging you toward something new. Whether it’s starting a new business, a creative project or taking on a leadership role at work, say yes—even if it feels intimidating.

2. Find Allies

Start surrounding yourself with people who inspire and support you. Share your goals with trusted friends or join communities where others are pursuing similar journeys.

3. Celebrate Small Wins

Every step forward counts—even if it feels tiny compared to where you want to be. Finished drafting an email? Celebrate! Took one step toward launching your side hustle? High-five yourself!

4. Laugh at Yourself

Growth is serious business—but that doesn’t mean you have to take yourself seriously all the time! Embrace self-deprecating humor when things don’t go as planned—it keeps things lighthearted and reminds you that even heroes trip sometimes.

Your Adventure Awaits

Attending that writing workshop reminded me that no matter how much we grow or achieve, we’re all still navigating our own Hero’s Journeys—and that’s what makes life interesting! So embrace your call to adventure (even if it feels small), cross those thresholds (even if they’re scary), and keep going—even when growth feels messy or slow.

Remember: every hero starts somewhere—and every step forward brings transformation closer than before.

Ready to act on your own journey? Visit my website revisiondepthcoaching.com and schedule a consultation to talk it over and gain some insights that might help.