This is an 8-part Antihero Overview Series, where you’ll learn and quickly apply key concepts at every stage of the Antihero’s Journey. You can find links to previous parts of the series at the bottom this newsletter.
The most crucial part of your journey is the beginning. It's your point of reference. How else will you know if you're making progress—or slipping backwards?
Your new story beginning is: "You were called to be great." You were designed to do astounding works. This isn't a pep talk. It's your antihero reference point.
Stage One: Reservation
You were reserved for something great—from since birth. While toothless and in diapers, your immense importance to the world was given. What a humbling thought.
Who gave you such greatness? He's simply called the Giver. He has reserved a purpose that only you can fulfill. This is known as your calling. But more on the Giver a little later.
If you're struggling with shame, you need to be reminded of your worth. Here's how to reaffirm the immense worth that was placed on you:
1. Find the one person you trust the most
Ask: 'Why am I important?'
If this is too sappy for you, ask this: “I can't seem to remember, but when was the last time I actually did something impressive?”
Follow up that question with: “What was it about me that made it so remarkable?”
The key here is to be direct and easily receive affirmation from someone you trust and who still loves you past your shameful experience.
2. Reflect on the last 15 years of your life
What have you accomplished? Who did you meet? What did they do for a living? What were your dreams? Write these down and circle the keywords.
Then draw a word map of your keywords and point out the great moments that revolved around them. The goal is to find out the milestones or quiet moments in your life that confirm your call to be extraordinary.
3. Greatness requires accountability
The idea that a Giver exists immediately changes the paradigm of your story. You have a responsibility to properly manage the greatness given to you. You're now held a..a...accountable. Agh!
Antiheroes hate that A-word. Accountability. It's one of the reasons we run from our calling. We don't want to disappoint others by falling short of greatness.
One of our greatest fears as leaders is being a disappointment. So we shirk responsibility and live only to answer to ourselves. But the Giver has set you apart for a special work. There's a unique assignment that only you can do and a life that only you can live.