Journal Entry – Week 8

The Hero’s Journey

This week we read chapters 5, 6, and 8 in the book, “A field Guide for the Hero’s Journey: Inspirational Classics and Practical Advice from a Serial Entrepreneur and an Entrepreneurial Priest.” This is easy to read and full of inspirational quotes and stories. At the beginning of chapter 5, Jeff Sanders shares his thoughts on three kinds of students. As I was reading this, I found myself identifying with the third type of student. This student is characterized as being successful in school and early life with straight As, conforming to parents’ and teacher’s demands, being successful in athletics and making friends. The problem is these children have been sheltered by well-meaning parents from the difficulties of life. They have never faced a difficult battle or made any huge mistakes and so they haven’t really learned about resiliency, overcoming, and perseverance. I have recognized this in myself for a long time and have been working to overcome weaknesses that would have been easier to overcome in childhood, but it was interesting to read it in the context of entrepreneurialism.

In chapter 6, Jeff Sanders describes the death of his mother-in-law. He discusses the issue of despair and how it is like a stone in the road that may block people and their ability to be successful. His mother-in-law discovered her cancer had returned and had less than a week to live. He explains the roller coaster of emotions she experienced in her last few days, from anger to sadness, and even joy. But the most memorable part for me was when Sanders said, “[She] faced that largest stone…with dignity and without despair.” He felt she had given him a great gift as his paradigm shifted and he was, from that point on, able to see even the largest stones on his path as mere pebbles. She had given him a new perspective.

Finally, in chapter 8, he talks about fighting our dragons and rehearses the story of David and Goliath as an example. I have always loved this story because I am a big cheerleader for the underdog. From the outside, it seemed impossible for a young boy with no armor and only a sling and stones for a weapon to defeat a giant warrior, trained in battle. What couldn’t be seen from the outside was David’s heart. He had the heart of a dragon. He knew the battle would go to the one who believed and had faith in God. He had fought hard battles with a bear and a lion in preparation for this moment in his life. He knew he could win. He did not doubt. I think this is a great example for anyone planning to be successful in their life. We must face hard things. We must not run from the battles of life but engage in them and learn what must be learned. This will strengthen our ability and our self-confidence. We can all conquer the dragons on our lives if we are fighting on the right side, if we have faith in God, and if we stay in the battle.

References:

Sanders, J. & Sirico, R. (2012). A field guide for the hero’s journey. Grand Rapids, MI: Acton Institute.