Have you forgotten the journey?

I was introduced to Homer's Odyssey in the 7th grade. I read and reread it many times, captivated by the bravery and cunning of Odysseus and the fantastic trials he and his crew endured.

The story arc of The Odyssey follows the hero's journey. It's a tale about someone called to an adventure who undergoes a decisive crisis and returns home transformed.

Like other sagas that follow this template, it's a story of sacrifice, serving, and becoming.

A recurring theme in The Odyssey is perseverance in and remembrance of the journey—setting a generous and worthwhile intention and committing to it fully every day.

For the crew of the Odyssey, remembering and pursuing their goal is tested by several trials: capture at the hands of lotus-eaters, a battle with a cyclops, storms summoned by the gods, and seduction by sirens.

Is difference-making any different? Have you ever forgotten your journey? I know I have.

Sure, the hijacking of our intentions, attacks on our attention, source of our tempests, and cause of our distractions may not be as fantastic. But our journey of becoming is just as fraught.

What to do?

Remember the journey.

Difference-making is a commitment to making things better with and for people you care about and engaging in that endeavor with integrity and intention.

You may have noticed that the world we live in doesn't provide much training or support for this kind of work. 

That's why the difference-maker's journey requires the commitment and courage displayed by Odysseus illustrated in this line.

"I will stay with it and endure through suffering hardship, and once the heaving sea has shaken my raft to pieces, then I will swim."

But difference-makers must also cultivate curiosity, creativity, and community to help them solve interesting problems and lead worthwhile causes. 

There are other skills the heroic and thriving difference-maker must cultivate, but you get the idea. The difference-maker's journey requires learning and honing skills, mindsets, attitudes, and postures that aren't taught in school or on the job.

And that's part of the journey. See and step into your power to connect, lead, and make change happen. To heed the call of adventure and serve others by sharing the difference only you can make. 

Have you forgotten the journey? How can you get back on or stay the course today?

Scott Perry, Chief Difference-Maker at Creative on Purpose. 

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