How to be the hero of your own life

What does it mean to be a hero? Does the world need to be saved? If so, who will get the job? I know I feel that I was born with a special purpose, and most people I talk to feel the same way. This series is an exploration of whether life is a game of king of the mountain, or if we are all gifted in our own way. It also illuminates a path we all travel.

The following are just a few articles in the “How to be the hero…” series. To read them in order and get the latest in this series, please subscribe to my newsletter.

An old overexposed photo of Gertrude Ederle pictured swimming in the English Channel.

Notes to our future selves

While visiting my parents’ home, I found an old note I’d written to myself: “I hereby declare I will swim the English Channel!” I had forgotten all about it—forgotten the dream, the confidence, and the young man who believed he could do anything. I never swam the Channel, but holding that note reminded me of something more important.
A painting that shows Jason having slayed the dragon and taking the Golden Fleece out of the tree.

What is the hero’s prize?

If you are like me, you see yourself as a hero, or at least the starring character of your own story. Your life has a grand purpose, yet the path is strewn with obstacles. If only you could reach your goals, everything would be okay. We see this scenario play out in most stories. The hero sets forth on an impossible quest. They must overcome all odds to win the prize and save the day. The hero's prize, whether that be a million dollars or the Holy Grail, is merely a symbol with a much greater meaning.
A foster cat waiting for the door to open.

Finding purpose in life

Do you ever wonder what is the meaning of life, and what is your purpose? I explain the meaning of life in the simplest term. Once we answer this question, we can then explore how to live a fulfilling life or, in other words, how to turn dreams into reality.
Medea sculpture

The heroine’s story

Arguably, Jason’s wife, Medea is the true hero of the story. The story of Jason and the Argonauts is told from Medea’s point of view in Book VII of The Metamorphoses by the poet Ovid.
The Hero's Journey

What is an adventure?

Words like adventure, hero and epic have become cliches that have lost their meaning. So unfortunately we can't say: "I'm a hero going on an epic adventure," and be meaningful. So, what exactly is an adventure? And how do we make every day an adventure?
A close up of the artistic cover of the Hero With A Thousand Faces. Hundreds of real people, like a mosaic, paint the picture of a hero.

What is a hero?

Is it true that the only people who achieve great things are the ones who take risks and reach for the impossible. Is that what it means to be a hero?
Illustration of the Argo and the Argonauts sailing into the sunset.

The story of Jason and the Argonauts for kids

The myth of Jason and the Argonauts and the quest for the Golden Fleece for kids with fun illustrations. Based on one of the first heroic adventures ever told.
Scott feeding a Bengal tiger

Returning home as an essential part of adventure

An introduction to enjoying the little things in life and finding an adventure right in your own backyard.
Before I even returned home from bicycling the world, I wondered if I would see everything in a new light of wisdom, or whether I might die of boredom.
The Dreamaplay hats. Each representing a different aspect of how to dream, and how to turn dreams into reality, and how to enjoy living your dream. The colander with lightbulb for dream it! The treasure map folded into a paper hat for map it! And the jester's hat for play it.

The magical formula to turn dreams into reality

This is the original version of my formula for turning dreams into reality. As you can see, I've been refining it for many years. I give a brief explanation of the steps, and the evolution of my "magical" formula.
The Embarkation of the Argonauts. A faded renaissance painting by Lorenzo Costa. The ship, the Argo, appears to be floating on a cloud.

What is an Argonaut?

The word "argonaut" comes from an ancient tale of the bravest heroes in Greek Mythology — Jason and the Argonauts (literally meaning sailors of the Argo).
Jason taking the Golden Fleece

The story of Jason and the Argonauts

This classic myth is one of the most ancient stories that exist. It chronicles Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece and the restoration of his family’s throne. This archetypal adventure sets the example for the plot of almost all modern stories, and it may even model what it means to be human: to live, to be challenged, to endure, and to make the world a better place.