Kill the hero in the first chapter

The reason you’re stuck creatively is not because your mind has run out of ideas. 

It’s because your mind is churning out too many thoughts veined with worry, and that’s clouding your sense of proportion and priority. 

Truth is, before you can even start cultivating your idea, you first have to navigate all of the mental debris that stand in the way of its fullest and truest expression. 

Mythology research calls this phase the first threshold on the road of trials. It’s the test. The proving ground. The initial obstacle that, when overcome, makes you stronger and prepares you for the final showdown. 

And it’s not purely physical. 

Psychologically, the road of trials is where the hero can transcend their destructive behavior patterns and thoughts. Campbell says that the departure into this land of trials represents the beginning of the long and really perilous path of initiatory conquests and moments of illumination. Dragons have now to be slain and surprising barriers passed, again and again. Meanwhile, there will be a multitude of preliminary victories, unretainable ecstasies and momentary glimpses of the wonderful land. 

And so, in your hero’s journey of creativity, here are a few characteristics of that first threshold. 

Instead of worrying about doing something right or wrong, you must focus on moving in a direction that makes sense. 

Instead of worrying about whether your efforts are good or bad, you must focus on what gives you energy and captures your imagination. 

Instead of worrying about people judging your work, you must focus on what you like about the process and what resonates with your soul. 

If you can pass through that essential mental threshold, you’re lightyears ahead of most on the road towards creative enlightenment. 

LET ME ASK YA THIS…

Are you prepared to let go of unhealthy but comfortable patterns when you’re stuck?

* * * *

Scott Ginsberg

That Guy with the Nametag

Author. Speaker. Strategist. Inventor. Filmmaker. Publisher. Songwriter.  

[email protected]

www.nametagscott.com

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