Tip #12: Embracing the Opportunity for Transformation

Tip #12: Embracing the Opportunity for Transformation

From Guest Coach Renata Hodges, Corporate Edge

Across religions, mythologies, and ancient sources of wisdom, a similar storyline repeatedly emerges. This same pattern shows up in the lives of inspiring leaders across the ages, from Buddha and Jesus to Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai, as well as beloved books and movies like The Odyssey, Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, and Hunger Games. Joseph Campbell coined the shared sequence of events as "the hero’s journey." The notion of facing a life-changing quest, with the opportunity to become a catalyst for significant change, feels compelling and relevant during 2020’s worldwide pandemic. Whether you are working the front lines, juggling working from home and homeschooling, caring for sick or at-risk loved ones, looking for employment, or hearing a calling in the space created by quarantine - how might this be the time for your own hero/heroine’s journey?

Step 1: Answering the Call. When life is complex, chaotic, and unpredictable, or when patterns have gone too long without examination, an opportunity emerges to face a challenge, even if doing so involves risk. The hero/heroine feels compelled to say yes. As obstacles come up, fear, self-doubt and temptations to quit are common. Fortunately, the hero/heroine is not alone on the path; a mentor or other source of wisdom becomes part of the unfolding story.

1. What is speaking to you at this time? What is activating your intuition?
2. What is your call to action? What are you being invited to Learn? Do? Embrace? Let go?
3. Can you find a personal sense of meaning and purpose in the midst of the pandemic?
4. What teachers are emerging with wisdom for you? (Friends and loved ones, Managers, Co-workers, Coaches, Books, Podcasts, Art, Nature) Where can you be a teacher for others?

Step 2: Engagement in Transformation. The hero/heroine takes another bold, definitive step that symbolizes commitment to the quest and a point of no return. The hero gains allies and strength, yet also faces trials and adversaries. Navigating these tests requires resilience, perseverance, new ways, and digging in deep to wisdom that lies within.

1. "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek." (Joseph Campbell) What bold action is there to be taken in your life right now? What symbolizes your "yes" to engagement in the quest?
2. Where are you feeling challenged yet are holding strong? What have been your biggest victories and how were they achieved? How are you fighting the brave fight?
3. What wisdom are you discovering? What’s new and what was always there?
4. Who are you partnering with? How are you supporting others?

Step 3: The Road Back. Completing the challenge has far reaching consequences. The hero is not the same person as the one who started the journey, having gained self-awareness, self-acceptance, and deeper understanding of the world. The hero has wisdom and a new way of being to bring home.

1. How are you different compared to the "you" when the pandemic started? What has shifted in your knowing of self, other, and world?
2. How will you intentionally leverage these gifts as quarantine restrictions lift? What is there for you to share, give, teach, or do more broadly in the world?
3. How will you keep the learnings from your journey alive? What role will your mentors, sources of inspiration, and partners continue to serve? How can you support others?
4. There is no going back; our only path is forward. What does that mean for you? What is the next chapter of your hero’s journey?

Not everyone decides to take, complete, or stay on the hero’s journey. Will you?