The Hero's Journey

I wrote my first Substack article on July 31st, 2022, titled "Your North Star." You can find it here:

I reference this because, nearly three years later, I find myself reflecting on the same ideas, the same philosophies. I ask the same questions, though my answers continue to evolve. Like the image above suggests, I am merely illuminating more of the path I walk.

For some time now, I have believed that to live a truly fulfilling life, one must have a North Star—guiding principles that anchor their existence. We must feel a grand sense of purpose, a journey toward something greater—not just for ourselves, but for our families, for society as a whole. I truly believe that to find contentment, excitement, and joy in life, one must embark on their own hero’s journey.

The hero’s journey is an ancient narrative structure, one we recognize instinctively. Disney has used it for decades, our favorite works of fiction rely upon it, and the myths of antiquity are built upon its framework. The story is always the same: a person of untapped potential, blind to their own strength, is called to something greater. Often, this call is precipitated by tragedy—the loss of a loved one, a shattering of what they once held dear. In the wake of this event, they wrestle with despair, questioning the world and their place within it. Then, a mentor appears to illuminate the way. But ultimately, the journey is theirs to walk.

Inevitably, they embark. Along the way, they falter, they suffer, they grow. Their latent potential begins to emerge. Just as they reach the precipice of transformation, they are struck again—another trial, often reminiscent of their initial tragedy. Many assume that the hero immediately triumphs, armed with the wisdom acquired along the way. But this is false. In nearly every great tale, the hero stumbles. They recoil, retreat into old patterns, forgetting the lessons they have learned. They are not yet the hero. This is the moment of reckoning—the choice between stagnation and transcendence. Do they rise? Do they embody virtue over comfort, courage over fear? Or do they shrink back, consumed by doubt?

The greatest heroes—the ones who inspire us, who linger in our consciousness—are those who, in the final act, choose virtue over safety. Maximus in Gladiator, Hercules in myth, Martin Luther King Jr. in history. They are not revered because they never wavered, but because, despite their fears, they pressed forward. In their defining moment, they chose the path of the hero.

I believe we must all find and walk our own hero’s journey. Now, I am not suggesting that your story will be as dramatic as the legends, nor that your arc will demand martyrdom. But at pivotal moments in your life, you will stand at a crossroads, and the path you take will determine the hero you become. To navigate this, we must return to the concept of the North Star.

What is your guiding purpose? Is it wealth, fame, power? Or is it service, wisdom, virtue, love? We must define this clearly, for it becomes the foundation upon which all else is built. From here, we must establish our guiding virtues—the guardrails that keep us aligned with our hero’s journey. As I wrote in my original article, my five guiding virtues are patience, temperance, wisdom, courage, and justice. What are yours? When these are firmly in place, every decision becomes clearer. Each choice is filtered through the lens of your virtues and your purpose.

Many speak of finding their purpose, but I believe in making it. Life will attempt to dictate your direction—society, parents, friends, media will all tell you what is important, what you should value. If you surrender to this noise, you will struggle to uncover your true path. Some will say your purpose is political allegiance, others will insist it is financial success, others still will encourage you to simply seek pleasure. But the real question is: What do you value? What is your purpose? You must forge it yourself and pursue it with unwavering resolve. This is your life to live and your life to die. Why would you dedicate it to a purpose that is not your own?

I will use myself as an example. For years, my passions seemed disconnected—coaching, playing guitar, experimenting with training, nutrition, and supplementation, building communities, engaging in deep conversations about struggle and resilience. But when I examined them all, I saw the thread that bound them together: my purpose is to help others live better, more meaningful lives for as long as they can.

That is my North Star.

Coaching in a CrossFit gym aligns with this purpose. Running a men’s group aligns with this purpose. Becoming a Functional Diagnostic Practitioner, capable of interpreting complex health and wellness data, aligns with this purpose. Being a source of emotional support for my loved ones aligns with this purpose. One day, raising my children with a foundation of virtue, health, and civic duty will align with this purpose. Every decision, every action, becomes a vote for or against my hero’s journey.

When I was first offered the opportunity to buy the gym I now own, I hesitated. I questioned myself, reflected on my journey, sought counsel from friends. Ultimately, I stood at a crossroads and chose the path that aligned with my purpose—even though I was terrified of failure. Now, I find myself at another crossroads, contemplating a shift toward preventive healthcare. There is no roadmap, no certainty of success. But when I reflect, I know this path leads me further along my journey. And so, I press forward.

And so must you.

You must determine how to walk your own hero’s journey. If you wish to join me in mine, I will soon be launching a new publication for my next venture in health and wellness. You can follow it here:

This will likely be a podcast and video format, and as I establish Stellar Health, I would love for you to share it with those who seek insight into holistic health, functional testing, training, nutrition, and supplementation breakthroughs.

In the meantime, take this week to truly flesh out your purpose. Define your North Star. Chart your hero’s journey. And then, walk it—step by step, choice by choice—until you become the hero you were meant to be.