Be the Hero of Your Own Story
Questions
Am I showing up as the Hero, or am I slipping into the Victim’s mindset?
What small, intentional steps can I take today that will make a difference six months from now?
Who can I guide and serve through my own struggles, turning pain into purpose?
Are you leading your business and life with a Hero’s mindset? Or are you waiting for the perfect conditions before you take your next step?
The Power of One: How to Lead Your Business (and Life) with More Purpose
Life and business are both long journeys, filled with unexpected turns, grueling uphill battles, and moments where you wonder if you can take one more step. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or a an athlete training for your next race, the challenges you face—rising costs, competitive pressures, fatigue, and setbacks—can feel overwhelming. Some days you wake up ready to take on the world and some days getting out of bed is the most difficult struggle that can feel like scaling Everest. This morning, my hard was the later. Today after a few coaching sessions, my workout time block was creeping in so the nagging question of how do I want to show up today begged an answer. My coach had sent me a rather tough run for today’s plan and talking myself out of it wouldn’t have been too hard. What did I decide? I went for a run. This run was one that I really didn’t want to do. I was tired and did not sleep well the night before and this year my mileage is so much further ahead than where I was a year ago. While running, I typically listen to audible books growing mind and muscle at the same time. A few years ago I read Donald Miller’s book, ‘Hero on a Mission’ and I recall it having a profound affect on me. Since I wasn’t exactly in the mood to get physical and my internal voice wasn’t exactly being helpful, I decided to revisit this book for the next hour or so while hitting the pavement. The book represents a powerful idea: Every story has four characters—the Victim, the Villain, the Hero, and the Guide.
Here's a breakdown of each role:
The Victim – The person who believes life is happening to them rather than for them. Victims feel powerless, stuck in their circumstances, and often blame external factors for their struggles. They struggle to take action and may believe success is out of their control.
The Villain – The person who, often out of their own pain, seeks to control, manipulate, or diminish others. Villains may act selfishly, lash out, or discourage those around them. They hinder progress by either sabotaging others or stalling their own growth through negativity.
The Hero – The person who accepts responsibility for their story and takes action to overcome challenges. Heroes experience setbacks but choose resilience over retreat. They keep moving forward, embrace growth, and pursue a meaningful mission despite obstacles.
The Guide – The person who has learned from their experiences and now helps others navigate their own journeys. Guides serve others by offering wisdom, encouragement, and leadership. They transition from self-focus to a mission-driven mindset, impacting the lives of others positively.
Miller emphasizes that while we all move between these roles, true fulfillment comes from embracing the Hero’s journey and ultimately stepping into the Guide’s role, helping others along the way. The key is to recognize when we are slipping into the Victim or Villain roles and intentionally shift our mindset to become the Hero of our own story.
In the journey of life, many people can find themselves playing each role at different times. Those who want to succeed must choose to be the Hero. Heroes don’t quit. Heroes press on.
“Meaning is only experienced in Motion.”
- Donald Miller
We are surrounded by challenges or ofter things we simply do not want to do. Matter of fact the less you do the less you will want to do. Doing nothing is always the easiest choice to make but wouldn’t that make you the victim of your own story? Markets shift, economies fluctuate, industries evolve, and the road ahead can seem endless. Some days, a business might feel like hitting the dreaded “wall” in a marathon—energy depleted, doubts creeping in, and every step feeling heavier. The temptation to stop, to give in to circumstances, is strong.
In these difficult moments, there are several choices: be the Victim—blaming the economy, the industry, and external factors— Be the Villain and punish the victim, help others as the Guide, or be the Hero, choosing resilience over retreat. A powerful lesson from Hero on a Mission states: “The way to find meaning in life is to take responsibility for your story.”
Many years ago when I was first starting my own business, I had hit the wall only just a few short months in. I remember reading a story by Andy Andrews called, The Travelers Gift. The words, “The Buck Stops Here,” forever changed my life. The way to find meaning starts with taking responsibility then taking action. Donald Miller says, “Meaning is only experienced in Motion.” What that means to me is that our journey towards being the hero in our own story begins with ownership or responsibility for all things in our lives then getting into motion through action. If life or business ever reach a point where you feel they are meaningless, then look at your feet and ask how long have they been in the same place lacking motion. Go for a run or don’t. Find business or don't. Just DO SOMETHING…. or don’t. The choice Is completely ours to make. Responsibility and ownership is what sets the pace for those who win and are the heroes of their own journey. Instead of focusing on what is out of their control, successful leaders (leadership starts with self) focus on what they can do: build trust, refine their strategies, maintain discipline, and stay consistent. They double down on relationships, adjust their pace when needed, and commit to their mission with unwavering determination.
The Hero’s Transformation: Finishing Strong
There will always be moments of doubt, but persistence and adaptability will ultimately lead to success. The economy will continue to shift, industries will change, and new challenges will arise, just as every long race presents unexpected obstacles. But those who keep moving forward—one step, one deal, one mile at a time—will find opportunities where others see barriers.
Challenges remain, but those on a mission are never lost. They are Heroes on a mission.
The choice is yours. Keep moving forward. Keep fighting. Keep running. Your story is still being written. The choice is yours. Keep moving forward. Keep fighting. Your story is still being written. What was the outcome of rising up from thinking like a victim, taking action, fighting the villain, and following my Guide’s plan so that I could become the hero of my own story today?
