How to use The Hero’s Journey as a life coaching tool

One of my favorite concepts is Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. In a nutshell, he found a common thread in all of our stories. From Jesus to Luke Skywalker to the guy who delivers your mail.

Here it is in a shot glass so we can get to how to use it as a tool to coach people. Or for yourself.

We all have —

A call to adventure.

Something in our life calls us to do something, go somewhere, execute some type of action. Maybe it’s breaking up with someone. Quitting a job. Moving to a new city. Changing careers. But it’s a call that we decide to answer.

Entering the unknown.

That action throws us into a new world. Now we’re single. Now we’re finally doing something we love. Now we’re in a new city. Now we’re starting a new relationship. Now we’re starting a new career path. Now we’re a parent.

Challenges and temptations.

With every new world comes new challenges. Dealing with new people. Being alone. Making new friends. Fighting for custody. Learning how to live off a new budget. Living with someone. Showing yourself for the first time.

Slaying our dragon.