Hello, Entrepreneur. You Are a Hero. While most entrepreners might not be saving the world with their ventures, there are parallels between their own paths and the 'hero's journey.'

By Jason Fell

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Pixabay

What do you have in common with Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games or Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings? They are characters in stories. More than that, they are the heroes of their stories.

If you're an entrepreneur, then you are the hero of your story.

In 1949, mythologist Joseph Campbell wrote The Hero With a Thousand Faces, in which he outlined the common journey of the archetypal hero. Based on his writing, this short video from TED Ed, produced in 2012, explains Campbell's premise and outlines the 12 steps of his "Hero's Journey."

Related: Don't Pursue Your Passion. Chase Opportunity.

Mythical heroes are faced with a challenge, leave their comfort zones and rise above their own expectations to overcome the challenge and accomplish their goals.

While most entrepreners might not be saving the world with their ventures, there are parallels between their own paths and the "hero's journey."

  • Entrepreneurs identify a problem or a need within their own status quo.
  • They devise a plan to solve it.
  • They seek advice from mentors.
  • From finding investors to product development to dealing with competition, entrepreneurs face their own trials.
  • They also experience crises. There are times where they feel backed against a wall and out of options.
  • Some entrepreneurs fail while others move ahead, finding the "treasure" of bringing a successful product or service to market.

While the mythical hero gets to return home -- to some sort of the status quo he or she left behind -- you as the entrepreneur continue to push forward. You've created something where there was nothing before. You have to nurture this thing and plot its course for growth. People need and want your products. Employees rely on you to steer your company to greater success.

There's nothing easy about being an entrepreneur. It takes creativity, risk, courage, intelligence and even a little luck. That's why some of the greatest successes in business can sometimes read like the best adventure novel.

Related: 15 Motivational Quotes From Legends in Sports

Jason Fell

VP, Native Content

Jason Fell is the VP of Native Content, managing the Entrepreneur Partner Studio, which creates dynamic and compelling content for our partners. He previously served as Entrepreneur.com's managing editor and as the technology editor prior to that.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Branding

When to Know If Rebranding the Right Move For You — and What You Should Focus on When It's Time

Discover if rebranding is what your company needs to work on by asking yourself key questions about why you want to rebrand in the first place and which key areas are most important to focus on, whether that be a refresh, partial or full rebrand.

Innovation

If You Want to Be an Industry Leader, Be an Industry Innovator. Here's How to Inspire Innovation in Your Business.

Innovation isn't just about making something new; it's about improving something.

Operations & Logistics

3 Ways Logistics Leaders Can Edge the Competition by Embracing Industry Problems

Success often comes to those who stay focused on the problems they're trying to solve, rather than getting fixated on their solution.

Business News

Here's the Secret to Growing Your Small Business, According to Execs at UPS, Airbnb, Mastercard, and Other Big Brands

These 10 executives work at big companies, overseeing programs that help small business. Here's the advice they wish all small business owners were getting.

Leadership

Master Time Management by Using These Essential Tips for Self-Employed Entrepreneurs

These key time management tips have not only helped me stay afloat amidst the chaos but have bolstered my business and reputation.