Stories, or as we often call them, metaphors,
are a very powerful tool not only when creating creating characters for novels
and movies, but when we want to give a powerful example with a moral, and help
create a lasting change. Story with a morale for the children - whether as a
parent or a teacher, or our clients, in your role as a life coach.
Author Joseph Campbell studied myths and tales,
and identified that most of them share the same "formula", which he
called: The Hero's Journey.
Stages
of the Hero's Journey
There are twelve steps to the hero’s journey:
1. Ordinary
World: This step refers to the hero's normal life at the start of the
story, before the adventure begins.
2. Call to
Adventure: The hero is faced with something that makes him begin his
adventure. This might be a problem or a challenge he needs to overcome.
3. Refusal
of the Call: The hero attempts to refuse the adventure because he is
afraid.
4. Meeting
with the Mentor: The hero encounters someone who can give him advice and ready
him for the journey ahead.
5. Crossing
the First Threshold: The hero leaves his ordinary world for the first time and
crosses the threshold into adventure.
6. Tests,
Allies, Enemies: The hero learns the rules of his new world. During this time,
he endures tests of strength of will, meets friends, and comes face to face
with foes.
7. Approach:
Setbacks occur, sometimes causing the hero to try a new approach or adopt new
ideas.
8. Ordeal: The
hero experiences a major hurdle or obstacle, such as a life or death
crisis.
9. Reward: After
surviving death, the hero earns his reward or accomplishes his goal.
10. The
Road Back: The hero begins his journey back to his ordinary life.
11. Resurrection
Hero - The hero faces a final test where everything is at stake
and he must use everything he has learned.
12. Return
with Elixir: The hero brings his knowledge or the "elixir"
back to the ordinary world, where he applies it to help all who remain there.
Here is a little task for you - can you track the steps of some famous
characters and match them to the stages of the Hero’s Journey? The Lion King,
or Fight Club, are great examples.
Storytelling is an art in itself, but what it is most powerful for,
is the influence it can have on our lives in achieving a desired transformation
that lasts and help you grow.
Your Coach to Success
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