(A Dozenology – A 12-Part Saga) Part 1: The Ordinary World – Where Life is Good…But Something’s Stirring

Every great adventure starts somewhere, but contrary to what movies would have you believe, that “somewhere” isn’t always dramatic. It’s not a windswept cliff, a secret prophecy, or a mysterious map hidden in your attic. No, most heroes’ journeys begin somewhere far more normal—right in the middle of everyday life.

This is The Ordinary World, where things are steady, life makes sense, and you’ve built a routine that works. And that’s a good thing. You might be working hard, raising a family, running a business, or juggling more responsibilities than you can count. Life isn’t bad. In fact, it might even be pretty great.

But lately…something feels off.

It’s not dissatisfaction exactly. More like a quiet whisper in the background of your daily routine—a feeling that maybe there’s something more out there for you.

A Day in the Life of a Hero-in-Waiting

At this stage, everything is ticking along. You’ve got goals, responsibilities, and routines that keep the wheels turning. But every now and then, a thought pops up: Is this it?

  • Your job? You’re good at what you do, and people rely on you. But part of you wonders if there’s another level you haven’t explored yet.
  • Your meals? You’re eating well enough (or at least consistently), but the idea of learning to cook something truly impressive keeps lingering.
  • Your free time? You’re productive…mostly. But somehow, scrolling through social media has a way of absorbing more time than you planned.
  • Your goals? You have them, and you’ve achieved a lot. But there’s a nagging sense that something bigger is calling.

Nothing is wrong. But there’s a feeling that maybe there’s another version of you—one that takes on new challenges, explores new ideas, or steps outside the familiar.

The Calm Before the Call

Of course, at this moment, you don’t necessarily see yourself as standing at the edge of a great adventure. Right now, it just feels like…life.

You’re busy, doing what needs to be done. But in quiet moments—maybe during your commute, over your morning coffee, or while lying in bed at night—you find yourself wondering.

What if there’s more?

What if you’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible?

What if…this isn’t the peak, but just the beginning?

Real-World Application: Signs You’re in The Ordinary World

You might be in this stage if:

You feel a subtle restlessness. You’re not unhappy, but you’re curious about what else is out there.

You catch yourself daydreaming. Not about escaping your life, but about expanding it.

You’re starting to crave a challenge. Maybe it’s learning something new, stepping up in leadership, or finally pursuing that thing you keep putting off.

You have a growing sense that you’re capable of more. You just haven’t figured out exactly what that looks like yet.

What’s Next?

For now, embrace where you are. This stage is important. It’s the foundation for what comes next.

But stay open—because adventure doesn’t always come with a dramatic entrance. Sometimes, it sneaks up on you in an unexpected opportunity, a conversation that sparks something new, or an idea that just won’t go away.

And when that moment comes? That’s your Call to Adventure.

We’ll dive into that next in Part 2: The Call to Adventure – When Life Starts Nudging You Forward.

Until then, enjoy this stage. There’s no rush. But if you’re already feeling that whisper of “what if?“—know that you’re not alone. Something new is on the horizon.🚀