Remember When Unrelenting Innovations and High-level Curiosity, which resulted in the most remarkable Applications and Products was the Norm…. I DO?

Let me start by stating that big thinking, stimulating high level curiosity, etc. cannot be achieved when an individual is stuck in their ‘comfort zone’. Within the ‘comfort zone’ there isn’t any stimulation that can influence/trigger a person’s curiosity over the long term, as they are comfortable, complacent and feel entitled.  When an individual is comfortable, curiosity is shut down, ideas are stifled, and the magic/mastery cannot flow.   

The only place where curiosity can be triggered and stimulated is outside the comfort zone where an individual is uncomfortable, and their environment is unreasonable and uncommon. It is in this ecology that an individual can unearth the problems, changes, issues and open their curiosity to allow think big ideas to flow.

In working with my coaching clients, when they are stuck in their ‘comfort zone holding pattern’ I often use the concept of the “Hero’s Journey” to support interrupting habits and patterns that have them fall back into the safety of their ‘comfort zones’. When an individual does fall back into their comfort zone it is typically due to the lack of inspiration, stretching themselves and/or their fears or negative mental models nagging/nudging them.

With respect to today’s “Work from Home Ordinary World”, an individual’s ability to pull themselves out of the ‘comfort in their home’ compromises the capability to see the issues/customer problems in a way that will stimulate high-level curiosity.

The concept of the “Hero’s Journey”, which is based on the work of Joseph Campbell, has been a common metaphor/allegory in movies such as Star Wars trilogies, ET, Avengers, etc. There is always a “Hero” willing to move through their fears and comforts to take the risks necessary to save the day.

The “Hero’s Journey” takes the Hero through their inner world of past conversations, fears and entitlements that can prevent them from risking and taking the leap of faith to the place of the unknown, where mastery and magic awaits.

The Hero’s Journey:

1.      ORDINARY WORLD.  The hero, uneasy, uncomfortable, or unaware, is introduced sympathetically so the audience can identify with the situation or dilemma.  The hero is shown against a background of environment, heredity, and personal history.  Some kind of polarity in the hero’s life is pulling in different directions and causing stress.

Hero’s Inner Journey: Begins with a ‘Limited awareness of the problem or issue”. The Hero is not fully aware of the circumstances and conditions happening in their life as they are pulled in different directions. It is as if they are unconscious, comfortable or ignoring all that is occurring.

2.      THE CALL TO ADVENTURE.  Something shakes up the situation, either from external pressures or from something rising from deep within, so the hero must face the beginnings of change.

Hero’s Inner Journey: Next the Hero begins to experience an increased awareness of the need for change. The Hero has received a huge nudge through some level of adversity as things begin to spiral out of control.

3.      REFUSAL OF THE CALL.  The hero feels the fear of the unknown and tries to turn away from the adventure, however briefly.  Alternately, another character may express the uncertainty and danger ahead.

Hero’s Inner Journey: The Hero becomes doubtful of their decision making and begins to resist the changes of the unknown. Instead of listening to their inner voice/wisdom the Hero begins to buy into ‘collective thought’ (other people’s thoughts/opinions), their ‘EGO’. This can create high levels of stress in the body as the fear of the unknown peaks. – This is the time when the Hero may run to the safety of their “Comfort Zone”.

4.      MEETING WITH THE MENTOR.  The hero comes across a seasoned traveler of the worlds who gives him or her training, equipment, or advice that will help on the journey.  Or the hero reaches within to a source of courage and wisdom.

Hero’s Inner Journey: An event or mentor/coach appears before the Hero to support them in overcoming their fears OR to interrupt the safety net they have created. This may even be an irresistible call for courage, i.e., moving out of their “Work from Home Ordinary World”.

5.      CROSSING THE THRESHOLD.  At the end of Act One, the hero commits to leaving the Ordinary World and entering a new region or condition with unfamiliar rules and values.

Hero’s Inner Journey: The Hero has now accepted that change is inevitable and commits to the changes even though the changes may seem unreasonable and uncomfortable.

6.      TESTS, ALLIES AND ENEMIES.  The hero is tested and sorts out allegiances in the Special World.

Hero’s Inner Journey: The Hero realizes that with commitment comes many tests as they experience the new conditions of the evolving changes. Life becomes a little unsteady as they begin to navigate through the tests. Note: this is the time in which the Hero may back away from the edge unwilling to take a leap of faith into the unknown.

7.      APPROACH.  The hero and newfound allies prepare for the major challenge in the Special world.

Hero’s Inner Journey: With a sense of newfound awareness, the Hero chooses to step up, adapt to these new events and prepares for major changes and challenges ahead.  

8.      THE ORDEAL.  Near the middle of the story, the hero enters a central space in the Special World and confronts death or faces his or her greatest fear.  Out of the moment of death comes a new life. 

Hero’s Inner Journey: As the Hero moves through these major challenges and adjustments, they begin to confront the effects of their old ways/habits to then realize how powerful their new life truly is. They do whatever is necessary to have this new life be permanent even if it means the old life dies. (Note: This would be on par with getting out of a destructive relationship to then realize you saved your life.)

9.      THE REWARD.  The hero takes possession of the treasure won by facing death.  There may be a celebration, but there is also danger of losing the treasure again.

Hero’s Inner Journey: The Hero then steps into acceptance of all their new life has in store and commits to never allowing the situations from the old life to happen again. “The bell has rung!” “Destiny stands before them”

10.   THE ROAD BACK.  About three-fourths of the way through the story, the hero is driven to complete the adventure, leaving the Special World to be sure the treasure is brought home.  Often a chase scene signals the urgency and danger of the mission.

Hero’s Inner Journey: The Hero begins to realize that it takes work and dedication to stay the course as they meet one last challenge. This may appear to be similar, like circumstances from their old life rearing its ugly head. The Hero then rededicates themselves to their commitment to reap the rewards of the new life and says goodbye to the old one.

11.   THE RESURRECTION.  At the climax, the hero is severely tested once more on the threshold of home.  He or she is purified by a last sacrifice, another moment of death and rebirth, but on a higher and more complete level.  By the hero’s action, the polarities that were in conflict at the beginning are finally resolved.

Hero’s Inner Journey: Not so fast… there are final attempts, last-minute dangers ahead as the Hero is given one last test or sacrifice. This is the time in which the Hero finally realizes they are a spiritual being having a human experience and chooses to bond with their “Objective Psyche” (wise self, intuitive self, enlightened self). Never to return to the old ways again, the Hero is free to move on!

12.   RETURN WITH THE ELIXIR.  The hero returns home or continues the journey, bearing some element of the treasure that has the power to transform the world as the hero has been transformed.

Hero’s Inner Journey: The Hero has reached “Mastery” with great wisdom of who they are as well as realizing exactly what the journey took from them and all they have gained! Destiny has finally arrived!

To return to those moments of unrelenting innovations and high-level curiosity it takes a challenge, comfortableness, and unreasonableness… as it is only outside of the comfort zone where the Magic of innovation resides!!

My published books are available on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback and Audible formats…. "It was ME all Along, the Path to FREEDOM"  and  "The Dolphin Lady, the Story of a Unique Relationship"