The Hero's Journey

Are you familiar with "The Hero's Journey"? In narratology and comparative mythology (made popular by Joseph Campbell), it is the common template used to to illustrate your story. It is the same structure used by so many amazing stories we all love - think Star Wars, Harry Potter, Avengers, you name it. Most every popular book or movie follows the Hero's Journey. Why is it so compelling? I believe it is because there is something deep within us that calls to us... something that says we can become something greater than what we currently are. And these stories shows us the path to our greatest. Here is the path (let's use Star Wars and Rey as an example (yes I know I am a nerd... proud of it) and YOU - the ATHLETE):

1). Ordinary World - Here the hero exists in the ordinary world. Nothing special about them. Nothing crazy going on. (Rey is just a scavenger living on a planet trying to survive).

ATHLETE - Living a normal life as a student-athlete.

2). Call to Adventure - The Hero's adventure begins when they receive a call to action, such as a direct threat or opportunity. (Rey meets up with Finn and BB8).

ATHLETE - You feel this inner spark, something that calls you to become something greater. A goal, a vision, a purpose of what you want from life.

3). Refusal of the Call - Hero maybe eager to accept the quest but will have fears that need overcoming, even second thoughts or personal doubts as to whether they can even do it. (Rey turns down the road ahead and wants to return home).

ATHLETE - Self doubt creeps in. You think you are not good enough or it is too hard or too unrealistic.

4). Meeting the Mentor - At this crucial turning point where the Hero desperately needs guidance, they meet a mentor figure who gives them something they need (in the form of advice, training, self-confidence, an object, etc...). (Rey meets Princess Lea, her first mentor).

ATHLETE - Someone you cross paths with sees something in you that you can't see in yourself (coach, teacher, parent, friend, etc...). They give you guidance, hope, confidence, whatever is needed for you to continue.

5). Crossing the Threshold - The hero is now ready to act upon their call and truly begin their quest. (Rey sets out to help the rebellion).

ATHLETE - You begin to walk the path towards your goal, vision, and/or purpose. You crossed the starting line and decide to do whatever it takes.

6). Tests, Allies, and Enemies - Now out of their comfort zone, the Hero is confronted with an ever more difficult series of challenges that test him/her in a variety of ways. The Hero may earn allies and meet enemies who will, each in their own way, help prepare him/her for greater ordeals yet to come (Rey meeting Finn, Han Solo, Kylo Ren, etc...).

ATHLETE - You encounter people who tear you down (enemies) and people who lift you up (allies). You also encounter really hard days where everything seems to go against you and achieving your purpose.

7). Approach to the Inmost Cave - The inmost cave may represent many things in the Hero's story such as an actual location in which lies terrible danger or an inner conflict which up until now, the Hero has not had to face (or face again the doubts and fears that first surfaced upon their call to adventure). (Rey not knowing who her parents where and the doubt of not ever having family as seen in her encounter with Luke's Light Saber).

ATHLETE - On the brink of quitting, you sit in self reflection, wondering if this is even worth it. You question if you really want to do this... in that moment of despair, you conquer your self doubt and arise stronger and mentally more equip to handle the battles ahead.

8). Ordeal - This may be a dangerous physical test or deep inner crisis that the Hero must face in order to survive or for the world in which the Hero lives to continue to exist. This is the highpoint of the Hero's story, where everything they holds dear is put on the line (Rey being on the New World Order's base and facing Kylo Ren).

ATHLETE - This is the tournament, the test, or the day where the athlete has to face their opponent or their deep inner crisis and emerge victorious.

9). Reward (Seizing the Sword) - After defeating the enemy and finally overcoming their greatest personal challenge, the Hero is ultimately transformed into a new state, emerging from battle as a stronger person (after defeating Kylo Ren on the base - she grows in the power of the Force).

ATHLETE - After emerging victorious, you develop the self-confidence to know you are able to accomplish your vision (after Mike Jordan made the game winning shot in the NCAA Finals his freshman year, he changed what people called him. "Michael Jordan" is who emerged from that shot. He was no longer Mike Jordan).

10). The Road Back - This stage represents a reverse echo of the Call to Adventure in which the Hero had to first cross the threshold. This moment is where the Hero must choose between their own personal objective and that of a Higher Cause (Rey foregoing finding her parents and helping the rebellion).

ATHLETE - After accomplishing your goal, vision, (eg. signing to play in college), you must decide as to sit back and relax or push through to a higher cause/purpose.

11). Resurrection - This is the climax in which the Hero must have their final and most dangerous encounter with death. The final battle also represents something far greater than the Hero's own existence with its outcome having far-reaching consequences to their Ordinary World and the lives of those left behind. (Rey in the final battle against Darth Sidious).

ATHLETE - Let's say you accomplished your goal to play in college. You decide to commit to a higher cause and train vigorously to be an impact player. You get to college and realize it not at all what you expected. You feel alone, discouraged, and want to quit - more than ever before. Everything in your life has been working to get here... and now you feel lost. You must battle this last final battle to overcome or forever be lost.

12). Return With the Elixir - The final stage of the Hero's journey in which he returns home to his Ordinary World a changed person. The final reward that the Hero obtains may be literal or metaphoric. It could be cause for celebration, self-realization or an end to strife. But whatever it is... it represents three things: change, success, and proof of their journey. (Rey finally having a family in her friends).

ATHLETE - You finished high school or college being a changed person - one where things will clearly never be the same again, having changed your world and the world around you in conquest for the greater cause of your higher purpose.

Be the Hero of your own story.