The Call to Adventure: Why Discomfort Is a Sign You’re Ready

Mentorship, Growth, and the First Step on The Proven Path

Something feels off.

You’ve been doing well. Maybe even thriving. But a quiet voice inside keeps asking, “Is this it?”

You brush it off. You stay busy. But the feeling lingers.

That feeling isn’t a problem.
It’s a sign.

In stories, it’s known as The Call to Adventure — an integral part of the Hero’s Journey (a timeless storytelling structure). In real life, it’s the same.

And if you’re feeling that tension right now, you’re further along than you think.

The Ordinary World: Comfortable, But Constrained

Every great story starts in the Ordinary World.

Luke is stuck farming moisture on Tatooine.
Neo is sleepwalking through a desk job he doesn’t believe in.
Bilbo Baggins is quite content staying put in the Shire.

Until something shifts.
A message. A mentor. A moment they can’t ignore.

In our careers, the “Ordinary World” is a role that used to challenge you — but now just contains you.
You’ve outgrown the space, but haven’t yet found the next one.

Related reading: A New Chapter: Walking The Proven Path

What the Call Feels Like in Real Life

You won’t get it delivered by owl post or hologram.
But the signs are always there:

A stretch project that scares you
A job opening you’re drawn to — but don’t feel ready for
A setback that makes you question your current path
The persistent urge to create, lead, or give back

You might label it as stress.
But more often than not, it’s a signal.

You’re being called to grow.

Why We Refuse the Call (At First)

Almost every hero says no the first time.

Luke tells Obi-Wan, “I can’t get involved.”
Neo panics when Morpheus tells him to step onto the ledge — and he bails.
Bilbo slams the door on Gandalf.

And we do the same.

We rationalize: “Now’s not the right time.”
We doubt: “I’m not qualified.”
We settle: “Things are fine as they are.”

But refusing the call doesn’t make the discomfort go away.
It just delays your growth.

What I’ve Learned About Saying Yes

In my own career, the most pivotal moments came when I said yes to something that scared me:

Taking on a complex system transformation I didn’t feel fully prepared for
Mentoring people when I still had my own doubts
Speaking up when staying quiet would’ve been easier

Every time I stepped into discomfort, I came out better — not just as a professional, but as a person.

Answering the Call: Three Practical Steps

You don’t have to change everything overnight.
But you do need to act.

1. Identify the voice

What’s the actual desire underneath the discomfort? Is it growth? Contribution? Change?

2. Share the thought

Discuss it with someone you trust. Clarity often comes through conversation.

3. Say yes to something small

Apply for the role. Volunteer for the stretch assignment. Start the conversation.
You don’t have to leap. Just move.

The Path Forward

You’ll never feel 100% ready. That’s not a flaw — it’s the sign you’re on The Proven Path.

Because real growth doesn’t start when you feel confident.
It starts when you feel called.

If you’re hearing that call now — lean in.
You’re not being reckless. You’re being invited.

And your next chapter is waiting.