Without the drama

Barry Ritholtz wrote a phenomenal piece about the hero’s journey.

He is absolutely correct that a single event is the result of many choices and circumstances. Luke Skywalker doesn’t just wake up and say, “I’m going to go blow up the Death Star today.” And 9/11 just didn’t happen out of nowhere.

If we are waiting for our moment in our life–the climax–where everything changes after, we are going to be waiting for a long time. In fact, I would argue that we are hiding instead.

A hero’s journey isn’t as dramatic as Hollywood would make it out to be. It could be sitting down, opening the computer and typing that book that you always wanted to write. It could be volunteering and opening your home to refuges. It could be pushing back on the status quo, squashing conspiracy theories, or speaking up about a policy that discriminates a class of people.

The hero’s journey is not necessarily wrapped in life or death situations. Most of us are not going to have an opportunity to jump in front of a bullet or run into a burning building. Don’t wait for a single event to occur to spring yourself into action. A warrior doesn’t decide to become one in times of peril. They become the kind of person that generously serves those around them.

We are products of our time. In many ways, the world is safer than it has ever been. But it doesn’t mean there are not problems. Problems that need to be solved and that also create opportunities for hero’s to emerge. Regardless of the media exposure. Do the right thing. Without the awards or recognition.