Joseph Campbell, the studier of mythology from around the world, had this to say when asked what the best life strategy is:
“Follow your bliss.”
See, he had studied mythology and discovered that pretty much all stories from all cultures followed the same basic premise.
The “reluctant hero” would be living a pretty boring life, and then get sucked in, usually against his or her will, into an adventure.
Then he overcomes obstacles, makes friends, gets new skills, and becomes a hero.
(Peter Parker, Harry Potter, Dorothy, Luke Skywalker, etc….)
We all love watching and reading those stories.
Why?
We’re all on our mission.
Everybody comes pre-programmed to seek and conquer. We are always hungry. Always trying to improve. Always trying to get some.
If you don’t choose, somebody else will choose for you.
Advertisers, politicians, religious leaders, parents, teachers, gurus.
Whether you know it or not, you’re on a mission.
But who’s in charge?
You? Or somebody else?
You’ll know you’re on your own mission when you can do what Dr. Campbell says.
Follow your bliss.
You won’t hide under the covers in the morning.
You won’t hit the snooze button eighteen times.
You won’t hope for some natural disaster to give you an excuse to miss work.
You’ll want to get up.
Get out.
And get some.