Power-Ups

Prefer video? See below: Stage 6: The Road of Trials As you progress on your Hero's Journey, you will encounter the Road of Trials—a path filled with challenges and tests that will put your abilities and determination to the test. However, amidst these trials, you will also find friends and support to aid you along the way. It's important to understand that whenever you move forward towards new triumphs, resistance is inevitable. There will always be forces that oppose your vision and desired outcomes. Embrace this resistance as an opportunity for growth. By facing and overcoming challenges, you can develop the skills and resilience necessary to succeed. The new world you enter may seem more complex than you initially anticipated. It will push you to your limits and test your skills, talents, and abilities. These challenges serve as valuable teachers, revealing your boundaries and showing you where you believe your limits lie. Through perseverance and determination, you will le...

Prefer video? See below: Stage 5: Crossing the Threshold Crossing this threshold can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience. If there was anxiety during the Call to Adventure, the threshold may seem downright terrifying. Saying goodbye to everything familiar is not for the faint-hearted. It's natural to feel uncomfortable and out of your element, questioning if you made the right decision to leave your ordinary world behind. These moments of doubt and uncertainty are part of the growth process. We all experience them and call them "growing pains" for a reason. As you stretch yourself and push beyond your comfort zone, you will encounter the pains of stretching, but you will also discover the vast potential the new world holds for you. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. The act of crossing thresholds is highly symbolic. It signifies your commitment to change and your willingness to embrace the unknown. Despite any challenges or fears you may encounter, know t...

Prefer video? See below: Stage 4: Meeting the Mentor As you embark on your journey of personal growth and transformation, it's incredible how the world responds to your commitment to change. When you wholeheartedly decide to move forward, you'll often find that a mentor appears in your life (it’s not magic, it’s because you’ve latched your reticular-activating system onto an intent and now your brain is filtering reality to gather information to support your intent). This mentor can take various forms—a person who crosses your path, a book that captivates your attention, or even a YouTube video that resonates deeply. Keep your senses attuned as you go about your day, and be open to recognising the mentors that seemingly appear out of nowhere, offering the much-needed support and guidance you can utilise. Perhaps it's the stranger you strike up a conversation with while buying coffee, or a song on the radio during your commute to work that provides inspiration. It could be a...

Prefer video? See below: Stage 3: Refusal of the Call In the Journey of a Hero, it is not uncommon for the call to be met with resistance. This refusal can manifest in various ways—through inaction, a missed opportunity, or even outright rejection. Unconsciously, we often create barriers that prevent us from accepting the call. Perhaps you convince yourself that you are not ready or that you are uncertain about which path to follow. However, it's crucial to recognise that refusing the call brings the story to an abrupt end. The ordinary world remains unchanged, and no progress is made. The fact is, there will always be a reason to not do something. If you truly desire change, it is vital to accept the call. Fortunately, we are not always limited to a single chance. When tempted to refuse, understanding the underlying reasons can be immensely helpful. By identifying the obstacles that hinder us, we can take steps to remove or minimise their impact. About the Book…“Harness Your Hero”...

Prefer video? See below: Stage 2: Call to Adventure Embarking on the heroic journey requires us to heed the compelling call to action that beckons us. This call can take the form of a particular event or a simple conversation. Regardless of its nature, its purpose remains consistent: to disrupt the comfort of our Ordinary World and present us with a challenge or quest that demands our attention. Pause for a moment: Which aspects of your life do you find unacceptable in their current state? What new outcome do you yearn to achieve—a goal so captivating and powerful that it propels you to leave behind the familiar and embrace the unknown? This deep desire for change, this yearning within you, is the elixir you seek. It becomes your Call to Adventure—an exhilarating invitation to embark on a transformative journey of growth and self-discovery. About the Book…“Harness Your Hero” Identified by academics as a story told throughout the ages, ‘The Hero’s Journey’ offers the guidance, narrative...

Prefer video? See below: Your Journey Begins…Stage 1: The Ordinary World Sometimes, a soft, small voice inside your head gently whispers that you are not entirely happy and that life is not quite where you want it to be. You can’t quite pinpoint the source of this feeling, but it lingers within you, nudging you to explore beyond your current circumstances. Where are you in your Hero’s Journey right now? Take a moment to reflect. Are you genuinely content with where you are? Or do you sense that something is not aligned with your desires? Do you feel the need for change? Perhaps, it’s your environment that needs a shift, or maybe it’s within yourself that the transformation must begin. Trust that intuitive feeling deep within you; it is urging you to embrace the possibility of a better day, year, and life. Listen attentively to the voice that sets you apart from your ordinary world, for it asks you to take a risk on yourself. It invites you to step out in faith and embark on your Hero’...

In the complex tapestry of life, there is one constant: uncertainty. We all encounter moments when questions arise, and answers seem elusive. This ambiguity can be unsettling, triggering stress and anxiety. However, there's a profound wisdom in acceptance—the act of acknowledging and making peace with the reality that uncertainty is an integral part of our human experience. In this article, we'll explore the significance of acceptance and how it can enhance our well-being, supported by scientific research. The Science of Acceptance Stress Reduction Acceptance has been scientifically linked to stress reduction. A study published in the journal Mindfulness reveals that individuals who practice acceptance through mindfulness techniques experience a significant decrease in stress levels. When we accept that some questions may not have immediate answers, we release the tension associated with our relentless pursuit of certainty. Improved Mental Health The impact of acceptance on men...

In our fast-paced and often hectic lives, it's easy to overlook the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits. However, these habits play a significant role in our overall well-being, impacting not only our physical health but also our mental and emotional states. In this article, we'll delve into the science-backed benefits of key lifestyle habits that can help you lead a healthier and more fulfilling life. Move Regularly The saying "sitting is the new smoking" has gained traction in recent years, and for good reason. Research published in the journal PLOS ONE suggests that prolonged sitting can lead to various health issues, including obesity and cardiovascular problems. Incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also improves mood and boosts cognitive function. Contact with Nature Spending time in nature, also known as "green therapy," has been linked to reduced stress, anxiety, and d...

"And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in."       HARUKI MURAKAMI   It has been a brave journey and you have claimed your reward.  All that is left at this point is to return to your ordinary world. On return to your ordinary world, it is evident that you are not the person you were when you left.   You’ve been strengthened and shaped and moulded by your journey.  The New World is now a terrain you know well and have positive experiences with.  You are now a duel citizen,  able to live in the old world and live within the new. When I was looking at going overseas for the first time, I certainly felt like the ‘new world’ was unknown.  I was a little nervous and not sure what to expect.  But the more we ventured...

Life can be a rollercoaster, filled with its ups and downs, joys, and challenges. Sometimes, these challenges can feel overwhelming, leaving us feeling isolated and helpless. In such moments, the age-old saying, "A problem shared is a problem halved," holds more truth than ever. Seeking support from trusted individuals, be it family, friends, or even strangers, can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. In this article, we'll explore the significance of seeking support and the scientific research that backs up this timeless piece of advice. Enhanced Problem Solving When you're facing a difficult situation, discussing it with someone you trust can often lead to fresh perspectives and potential solutions. A study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that individuals who sought advice from others were more likely to come up with effective solutions to their problems. Different viewpoints and insights from frien...

Communication is at the heart of all our relationships, from personal to professional. Assertiveness is a key component of effective communication that can empower you to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and confidently. In this article, we'll delve into the importance of assertive skills, explore the pitfalls of passive and aggressive communication, and provide research-backed strategies to help you enhance your assertiveness. Understanding Passive and Aggressive Communication Before we dive into assertive skills, let's take a moment to understand the two extremes of communication: passive and aggressive. Passive Communication: In passive communication, individuals tend to avoid conflict and hesitate to express their needs or opinions. They often say "yes" when they mean "no" to avoid confrontation, and their feelings may go unexpressed. Aggressive Communication: On the other end of the spectrum is aggressive communication, characterized...

Anxiety is a common and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are various approaches to managing anxiety, one powerful strategy has consistently proven its effectiveness: gradual exposure. In this article, we'll explore the concept of gradual exposure, delve into the science behind it, and understand how it can help you successfully overcome your anxieties. The Power of Gradual Exposure Imagine facing your greatest fears or anxieties one step at a time, gradually increasing your tolerance and confidence until those fears no longer have a hold on you. This is precisely what gradual exposure aims to achieve. It's a therapeutic technique rooted in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that helps individuals confront and desensitize themselves to the situations, objects, or experiences that trigger their anxiety. La Trobe University, known for its expertise in mental health research, highlights the effectiveness of gradual exposure as a p...

Life is filled with challenges and obstacles, both big and small. From everyday worries to complex problems, we all encounter issues that require solutions. While it's natural to feel overwhelmed at times, there's a structured approach to problem-solving that can help you navigate these challenges effectively. In this article, we'll explore a research-backed guide to problem-solving, providing insights into how to assess, analyse, and plan your way to solutions. Step 1: Identify the Problem or Worry The first step in effective problem-solving is to clearly identify the problem or worry at hand. Research conducted by psychologists at the University of California, Riverside, suggests that defining the problem is a critical initial step, as it sets the stage for finding viable solutions. Step 2: Determine if It Can Be Solved Not all problems can be solved, and not all worries require immediate action. Before diving into the problem-solving process, consider whether the issue i...