Every hero movie, whether from the Bible, Disney, Marvel, etc., begins with an individual experiencing a traumatic event that sets them on a journey they never planned or even wanted.
This individual is full of self-doubt, unworthiness, anger, or resistance and struggles with inner demons and adversity at every turn.
After much struggle and a sense that there is no hope for a happy or peaceful future, a teacher or mentor appears to help the reluctant hero believe in themself, shed their self-pity/anger, and shift from being self-centered to others-focused.
That perspective shift unleashes a hidden power inside the individual, allowing them to rise and become the hero they were born to be.
Life is still challenging for the hero, but their internal story of how they will embrace each day fundamentally improves.
One of my favorite hero stories is of King Arthur and his knights of the round table.
Although powerful, Arthur made those around him feel equal, loved, and valued, which in turn, caused them to love and be fiercely loyal to him.
Arthur was brave even when scared and cared more about the people in his charge than making it about being in charge.
Above all else, he had a vision for what life could be like and worked daily with others to make that ideal a reality.
I think differently about that classic tale now that I’m in my fifties than I did as a kid.
Although Hollywood movies often exit the story with a happy ending, Arthur continues to deal with the boundless challenges that threaten the peace and prosperity of his kingdom.
The greatest asset was his mindset and the empowering subconscious beliefs cultivated through years of struggle, growth, and wisdom gained through experience.
“I am more than enough, worthy of love, as safe as I make myself feel, and deserving of all that is good in the world.”
“I co-create my life with God through taking charge of what I can control and releasing the desire to manipulate or change what I cannot.”
“Life is whatever I say it is. Experiences are neutral until I label them, and those labels dictate how I emotionally respond. Thus, how I feel about a situation results directly from my interpretation of the experience.”
“I can direct and redirect my thoughts as readily as picking up a rock and deciding which direction to throw it. Since my thoughts determine how I feel and act, I have dominion over how I show up in any situation.”
“There should be one person in your life you can always rely on for a kind, encouraging, and supportive word or gesture. That person is you.”
These five beliefs represent the core areas where most people profoundly struggle in their personal or professional lives.
Your hero journey will help you deeply believe in yourself, release the need to control everything, upgrade bad habits, recognize blind spots that sabotage desired outcomes, and lead with vision when all the odds are against you.
Arthur did not develop these beliefs or the courage to become king on his own.
He had mentoring and support, which is something most lack (especially entrepreneurs and small business owners.)
Instead, we make the mistake of trying to “figure it out” on our own, which is the slowest and most painful (and expensive) way to do it.
Your mission is not to be the king of Camelot.
Instead, it’s to lead your kingdom and be the ruler of your mind.
You got this.
I believe in you.
Tim Shurr
aka – Merlin