The Unsung Hero: Why the Internal Journey is Your Greatest Adventure
“Become a millionaire not for the million dollars, but for what it will make of you to achieve it.”
― Jim Rohn
When I first walked through the doors of GM Bong Soo Han’s Hapkido studio, I had no desire to be a black belt.
All I knew was that from Aikido in Hawaii, I felt more at peace when training on the mat.
It was as simple as that for me.
I was able to let out and let go of the negativity of everyday life.
But something strange happened along the way.
I began to grow and see myself differently.
Bigger.
Better.
As a leader.
After that, training for and earning my black belt was just a natural step in my journey for growth, learning, and progress.
The Hero’s Journey
While countless stories capture the thrill of the external hero’s journey, from slaying dragons to conquering new lands, a deeper truth lies hidden within.
The true path to growth and fulfillment often lies not in external conquest, but in the unseen internal battles we face every day.
This, my friend, is the internal hero’s journey, and it’s arguably the most crucial and enduring adventure of all.
Many of us are familiar with Joseph Campbell’s groundbreaking work, The Hero with a Thousand Faces.
This seminal text has become the blueprint for countless myths, movies, and stories, all featuring external journeys of heroes overcoming obstacles and achieving external victories.
However, what often gets overlooked is the transformative internal journey that occurs alongside the external one.
Think of your favorite hero.
Yes, they may have faced epic battles and emerged victorious, but did they do so unchanged?
Most likely, their external quest forced them to confront their inner demons, overcome doubts, and evolve into a stronger, more self-aware version of themselves.
The Internal Growth Needed to Be a Hero
This internal growth is what empowers them to not only conquer external challenges but also to navigate the complexities of life with greater wisdom and resilience.
So, why is the internal journey so important?
Here’s why:
- It’s your personal story: While external heroes face fantastical challenges, your internal journey is unique to your own life experiences and aspirations. It’s about confronting your personal fears, insecurities, and limiting beliefs. It’s about discovering your values, finding your inner strength, and ultimately, becoming the best version of yourself.
- It’s a continuous process: Unlike external journeys with clear beginnings and ends, the internal journey is a lifelong process. Every day presents you with opportunities to learn, grow, and overcome. It’s about embracing challenges, learning from failures, and continuously striving for self-improvement.
- It shapes your external reality: The skills and insights you gain from your internal journey empower you to navigate the external world with greater confidence and clarity. By confronting your inner demons, you learn to overcome external obstacles with increased resilience and a sense of purpose.
So, how do you embark on your own internal hero’s journey?
- Embrace self-reflection: Dedicate time to exploring your thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Journaling, meditation, or seeking guidance from a mentor can all be valuable tools for introspection.
- Step outside your comfort zone: Challenge yourself to try new things, face your fears, and push yourself beyond your perceived limitations. Growth often happens outside of our comfort zones.
- Learn from your experiences: Whether you succeed or fail, every experience offers an opportunity to learn and grow. Reflect on your challenges, identify areas for improvement, and use them as stepping stones on your journey.
- Celebrate your progress: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress, both internal and external, will fuel your motivation and keep you moving forward.
Remember, the internal hero’s journey is not about becoming a mythical hero slaying dragons.
It’s about embracing the everyday challenges we face, conquering our internal struggles, and growing into the best version of ourselves.
It’s a journey of self-discovery, continuous improvement, and ultimately, a life lived with purpose and fulfillment.
So, embark on your own internal hero’s journey, warrior. The adventure awaits.
P.S. If you’re struggling on your journey to be a warrior, leader, and hero, I can help. I share the lessons I’ve learned, and the steps that I’ve taken to achieve success in my life, it’s a FREE 3-week, 22-email class on personal leadership.
You can get it here: Learn to Lead
With it, you will also The Daily Dojo, your daily guide to living the martial path, all without needing to step on the mat!
