(A Dozenology – A 12-Part Saga) Part 8: The Ordeal – The Moment That Changes Everything
So, here you are. You’ve Crossed the Threshold, gathered Allies, dodged (or confronted) Enemies, and approached The Inmost Cave, knowing full well that something big was coming.
And now?
Now, you’re in it.
This is The Ordeal—the moment where everything is tested. The turning point. The challenge that shakes you, stretches you, and makes you wonder why you ever left the safety of your comfort zone in the first place.
It’s also the moment that, when you come out the other side, you will never be the same.
What Does The Ordeal Look Like in Real Life?
In epic tales, this is the boss battle, the life-or-death moment, the ultimate showdown. The hero either rises to the occasion—or falls.
In real life? It’s more like:
🔥 Your first real test in your new role or business. (Can I actually do this?)
🔥 Delivering that high-stakes presentation. (Will I forget everything halfway through?)
🔥 Making a life-changing decision. (What if I choose wrong?)
🔥Pushing through when everything in you wants to give up. (Maybe quitting is an option…?)
🔥 Facing that moment of deep self-doubt. (Who do I think I am?)
This is the part of the journey where resistance shows up in full force. And let’s be honest—The Ordeal is uncomfortable. It’s supposed to be.
Because growth never happens in the easy moments.
Why Is This So Hard?
Because The Ordeal strips away the last pieces of your old self.
Up until now, you’ve been preparing. You’ve been stepping forward, learning, adjusting. But this? This is the moment where you either step fully into the new version of yourself—or retreat.
It’s where you realise:
🚀 You can’t stay who you were AND become who you’re meant to be.
🚀 You are capable of more than you thought.
🚀 The only way out is through.
The Two Choices Every Hero Faces
At this moment, you have two options:
👉 Option 1: Turn back. Give in to the fear. Retreat to the safety of what’s familiar.
👉 Option 2: Keep going. Face the fear. Step forward despite the discomfort.
This is why so many people stay stuck. The Ordeal is the part where most people give up.
But here’s the truth:
✅ Your past efforts brought you here for a reason.
✅ You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to keep going.
✅ On the other side of this challenge is the transformation you’ve been working toward.
How to Get Through The Ordeal
- Recognise that fear is normal. If you weren’t scared, it wouldn’t be a real challenge. Fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s proof that this matters.
- Focus on the present moment. Instead of thinking about the entire battle, just focus on the next step. One action at a time.
- Remember why you started. Reconnect with the reason you took this journey in the first place.
- Trust yourself. You’ve already overcome obstacles to get here. You have what it takes.
- Lean on your allies. Whether it’s a coach, a mentor, a friend—don’t go through The Ordeal alone.
What’s Next?
Every hero’s Ordeal leads to one thing: Transformation.
When you come through this moment, you’re no longer the same person who started this journey. You’ve changed. You’ve grown.
And that brings us to the next chapter:
Part 9: The Reward – What You Gain When You Push Through.
Because on the other side of challenge? Comes the breakthrough.💡🚀