Power-Ups

You did it. You faced The Ordeal , stood your ground, and made it through what felt like the most intense, uncomfortable, “why-did-I-sign-up-for-this” moment of your journey. And now? Something has shifted . This is The Reward —the moment when, after all the struggle, you finally see the results of your effort . It might not be a glowing treasure chest, a grand victory parade, or a wizard handing you a medal (though wouldn’t that be nice?). But make no mistake— this part matters . Because this is where you start to realise: 🚀 You’ve changed. 🚀   You’ve grown. 🚀   And you’re capable of far more than you ever gave yourself credit for. What The Reward Looks Like in Real Life In movies, The Reward is dramatic. The hero gets the magical sword, the lost treasure, the long-lost truth that changes everything . In real life? Your reward is the internal and external wins from pushing through challenges . Your “Reward” might be: 🎉 The confidence you didn’t know you had. ( Wait…I act...

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...

You’ve Crossed the Threshold , navigated Tests, Allies, and Enemies , and maybe even started to feel like you’ve got this whole “adventure” thing under control. And just as you’re thinking, “Hey, maybe this isn’t so bad!“ —you see it. The Inmost Cave . Dramatic? Yes. But also accurate. Because this is the part of the journey where you get closer to the big moment —the challenge that will truly test you. The thing that, deep down, you knew was coming. And whether you feel ready or not, it’s time to face it . What is the Inmost Cave? In stories, this is the dark and mysterious place where the hero must venture before the biggest battle. It’s the villain’s lair, the dragon’s den, the moment where the stakes are at their highest. In real life? It’s that thing you’ve been avoiding . It’s the hard conversation you know you need to have. It’s the moment you put yourself out there for real . It’s the decision that could change everything . This is the point where everything you’ve learned so...

So, you’ve Crossed the Threshold .🎉 You took the leap, said yes, stepped forward, and officially entered your adventure. At first, it might have felt exhilarating—like a bold, victorious moment where you thought, “Look at me go! I’m actually doing this!” And then…reality set in. Welcome to The Land of Tests, Allies, and Enemies —also known as that part of the journey where things get real . This is where the honeymoon phase ends , and you realise that stepping into something new means…well, challenges . What This Stage Looks Like in Real Life This phase is not about failure—it’s about learning . And that learning comes through: ✅ Tests – Moments that push you, stretch you, and make you wonder why you ever signed up for this . ✅ Allies – The people who encourage you, cheer you on, and remind you that you’ve got this . ✅ Enemies – Not necessarily villains (unless you have an actual nemesis), but the obstacles, doubts, and challenges that try to hold you back. Let’s break these down. 1...

So, you’ve received The Call, refused it a little , and met your mentor (whether it’s a wise coach, a supportive friend, or a book that conveniently smacked you with the exact advice you needed). And now? Now, it’s time for the moment every hero faces: Crossing the Threshold . This is where you step from the known into the unknown , where comfort zones get left behind, and where you take the first real step toward whatever adventure is calling you. Sounds exciting, right? Also mildly terrifying , yes. The Moment of No Turning Back In movies, this moment is dramatic. 🚪The hero walks through a mystical doorway. 🚀The spaceship launches. 🛤The train leaves the station. In real life? It’s often…much quieter . It might look like: ✅Clicking “submit” on that application. ✅ Saying “yes” to an opportunity before you overthink it. ✅ Announcing your decision out loud (so now people actually expect you to follow through). ✅ Taking action, even if it’s small—because small steps lead to big change...

So, you’ve wrestled with The Call to Adventure , found very convincing reasons to ignore it, and maybe even convinced yourself that you’re better off staying put. But adventure has a funny way of persisting . Just when you’re about to double down on hesitation, along comes The Mentor —that person (or resource) who helps you see that maybe, just maybe, you’re more ready than you think . Who (or What) is a Mentor? In stories, the mentor is often an all-knowing, wise figure —Dumbledore, Yoda, Mr. Miyagi—dropping life-changing wisdom between sips of tea. In real life? It’s a little less mystical, but just as powerful. A mentor can show up in two key ways: 👉 The Sage on the Stage – The expert, the leader, the person with decades of experience who teaches, inspires, and shows you the way. 👉 The Guide on the Side – The friend, the colleague, the coach—someone who walks alongside you , helping you navigate your next steps without standing in the spotlight. Sometimes, your mentor is a teac...

So, you’ve received The Call to Adventure . An opportunity, an idea, or a shift has shown up in your life, whispering (or shouting), “Hey, maybe it’s time for something new!” And how do most of us respond? “Wow, what an exciting opportunity! I should definitely consider this! …Later.” Welcome to The Refusal of the Call —the part where we come up with brilliant, highly logical (r ead: completely made-up ) reasons why we absolutely cannot step into something new right now. This stage is not about laziness or lack of ambition—it’s about being human . Change is uncertain, and uncertainty triggers doubt, fear, and an overwhelming desire to stay in our comfort zone . The Art of Avoiding Change (A Masterclass in Excuses) We all have our personal favorites when it comes to dodging change. Some classics include: “Now’s not the right time.” ( Translation: It will never feel like the right time. ) “I don’t know enough yet.” ( Translation: I will never know enough until I start. ) “I’m too bus...

Life has been rolling along smoothly. You’ve built a routine, mastered your responsibilities, and figured out how to juggle everything that needs juggling. You’re capable, competent, and—let’s be honest—you’ve come pretty far. But lately, there’s been a shift . It’s not a crisis. It’s not even a problem. It’s more like a… whisper . A feeling that something new is calling your name. Maybe it’s an idea you can’t shake. A challenge you feel strangely drawn to. Or an opportunity that’s appeared out of nowhere—one that excites you just as much as it terrifies you. Welcome, hero. You’ve just received your Call to Adventure . How the Call to Adventure Actually Shows Up In movies, the Call to Adventure is loud and dramatic. A wizard appears. A prophecy is revealed. A magical sword falls from the sky. In real life? It’s a bit more subtle. But no less powerful. Your Call to Adventure might look like: A new opportunity at work – Something that stretches you beyond your comfort zone. A personal ch...

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 ...

Ever felt like you’re juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope? Welcome to the wonderful world of productivity! Whether you’re managing a business, a household, or just trying to remember where you left your coffee (again), having a structured approach can mean the difference between soaring high and flopping face-first into a pile of unfinished to-do lists. Enter: The SOAR Framework . SOAR stands for Surroundings, Organisation, Application, and Relationships —a four-step method to help you take control of your time, energy, and sanity. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense (and hopefully makes you chuckle a little along the way). S – Surroundings: Setting the Stage for Success Ever tried working in a space that looks like it’s been hit by a category-five hurricane? Cluttered surroundings lead to a cluttered mind, and if you’re anything like me, that’s already a dangerous place to be. Your surroundings need to match your goals. Want to be focused? Create ...