You’re looking at a hand drawn map. The edges are rough and torn in spots. The map plots out four islands in a section of an unnamed sea. Two islands are grouped together in the upper-right corner. One is much smaller than the other. Another island sits at the bottom edge of the map. A rose compass is to the left; each point of the star guides you to north, east, south, and west. And a pirate ship is to the right; the ship’s flag is blackened, its symbol is that of a Kraken’s skull. The fourth and final island is located in the upper-left corner of the map. A large treasure chest sits atop this island. Its location is marked with a big red X.

To hell with their Hero’s Journey

You are not special. 

Neither am I. Not even a little bit.

Truth is, most of us are a bunch of normies. Ordinary people living ordinary lives. 

“You are not a beautiful and unique snowflake.”

Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club

Those who accomplish magnificent feats, overcome staggering odds and achieve monumental success. They’re fewer than you think. 

They talk the loudest, about their Hero’s Journey. And these kinds of tales are remarkable. Truly inspiring.

But it’s a passing feeling, don’t you think?

We’re in awe. But are we empowered? Are we motivated to take action

No.

Because their stories don’t resonate. Those magnificent feats and staggering odds, that monumental success. Not in my lifetime. Not likely in yours, either. 

No. Remarkable individuals aren’t the majority. We are: the ordinary ones

Don’t be offended. The truth is freeing, it releases the pressure. And there’s something else to consider:

Our mini milestones, common challenges (like trying to afford a home 🫠), and surviving day-to-day. That’s life for most of us. And that’s what brings us closer together.

This is the backbone of my approach as an ‘ad man’ and storyteller. What I’m calling the Blue-Collar Method™. Less fluff and more substance. Relatable, not once-in-a-lifetime. 

And as a human trying to make the most of this chaotic ride, it’s a reminder of how extraordinary the ordinary can be. 

  • Things we take for granted—lounging on the couch with your partner or pet (or both)
  • Our little wins—waking up earlier in the morning or making dinner instead of ordering in
  • Our big wins—quitting smoking, paying off loans, and changing careers

It’s about appreciating life’s randomness. Like witnessing a toddler embarrass its mother by pointing at a waddle of ducks and yelling, “Fucks! Look, Momma! Fucks!”

Finally, it’s a reminder that these stories, these tiny incidents. They’re universal. They connect us. Truly empower us. 

Don’t be afraid to tell yours.

There are three pencils, each with a broken tip.

12 thoughts on “To hell with their Hero’s Journey

      • Joseph Davis says:
        Joseph Davis's avatar

        Thought my teaching days were over. Here’s an exercise. When you’re out and about, ask some random strangers to define happiness. You might be surprised.

        Like

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