The idea of the hero’s journey comes from the work of Joseph Campbell in the 1940’s, he was a professor of comparative mythology who found that through the ages, myths and stories from all over the globe had the same basic structure (the Monomyth). This structure is still one that the entertainment industry is following today. For example, George Lucas credits Campbell as a major influence in the writing of Star Wars and films as diverse as The Lion King, the Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, The Matrix and Rocky all follow the same pattern.
So what is the reason for the universal appeal of these stories? well it is because all these stories are OUR stories, they come out of our collective unconscious which means they can inform us about our own journey of growth, change and development. Even better than that, they give us a map that we can follow when life seems challenging or when we want to bring about a change.
Can you remember your favourite fairy tale or story from your childhood? What was it about that story that made it special for you? How is that story relevant to you now? I frequently ask these questions to coaching clients, and the results are often remarkable.
The fact that we all already have the blueprint makes the Hero’s Journey a great coaching and personal development framework.
The basic stages of the Hero’s Journey
What are the basic stages in the hero’s journey? You might experience it in the following way:
- · You receive the CALL TO ADVENTURE, you are aware something is not right or that something needs to change.
- · You are reluctant at first to do anything
- · You are encouraged by a mentor and you develop new skills and resources as a result you commit to making change happen
- · You are tested but you face up to the challenge and you are rewarded
- · You feel like a new person as a result of the experience – you are transformed
- · You share your success with others
Ask yourself – what is the adventure you are being called upon to take? This could be anything from changing career, giving a presentation, doing something for the first time, having a difficult conversation, or overcoming a fear. How are you resisting? What new learning, skills, teachers or support do you need to take the first step? What will be the benefits of taking that step and answering the call to adventure?
If you are contemplating a new adventure, a change or even a goal, why not download our simple worksheet as the first step in your journey?
Happy adventuring!
“The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure.”
Joseph Campbell
