Quest For Greatness
Author: Dan Knapp

Stories start with a character with whom we can identify. That character gets into difficulty. The character heroically overcomes the difficulty and resolves the problem.

This basic formula of character -> problem -> overcome - > resolution, fills books, movies and TV shows. No other formula creates a story worth hearing.

Think back to any story and you will find the same basic structure.

OK, we can accept this story formula. How does a story formula apply to personal development?

Look at it this way, your story eventually consists of your progress toward personal development. You tell tales about little else. If you know the elements of a great story, why not build those elements into your life with the story we want in mind?

You may suggest that I have it backward. The story can only be told in retrospect, but the very first basic of success consists of knowing where you want to go and the second requires developing a plan to get there. Your plan is your story.

Consider the metaphors contained in stories of the quest.

We have heard the great stories. Look at what they have in common. They have an inspirational goal, they contain wizards, dragons and ultimate prizes. The goal may consist of The Holy Grail, the kidnapped princess, creation of a country where everyone has freedom, defeat to the Borg.

Bring the quest home. What great goals do you hold for your life? Money? Fame? Happiness? Only you can answer the question about what is right for you. But you need to choose.

Select an inspirational quest that captures your imagination and spirit. You may have identified your quest in your mission statement. What do you really want to do? What consumes you? No small quests please.

Great goals exceed our current individual realm of possibility. If your goal seems doable with your own current resources, you can bet that the goal holds little inspiration for you. We talk quest here, not a small task! Do you question and doubt your ability to fulfill the quest? Are you filled with dread? Are you really good enough for this quest? No? Great! Only a reluctant hero may complete a truly worthy quest. VITAL POINT: if you feel no reluctance to start your quest - you need a bigger quest! Find another quest that shakes you to your core. You cannot grow without exceeding your current capacity. At this point, you can't possibly think you can complete your quest.

In truth we all have these huge quest-caliber goals. True, we don't want to admit them because then we would have admit to ourselves, if not others, that we have unfinished business. Our opportunity beckons. Go for the big one.

Enter the wizard. Ask a wizard for help. We have a shortage of certified wizards in today's world. If you don't personally know a wizard, consult your boss, mentor, coach, peers or others close to you.

You must obtain some help from beyond yourself. If you think you can handle your quest on your own, it is not a big enough quest for you. You need help from your wizard. Historic quests present help to the hero in the form of wizards such as Merlin, Yoda and others. The wizard's present information or objects the hero will need to complete the quest. The befuddled hero frequently finds no value in the wizard's gift but holds it until suddenly the gift proves useful.

Your help may come in the form of a magic potion, special weapon, a treasure map, a ring to make you invisible or maybe a management technique. You really won't need much, but you do need something extra so you can grow beyond yourself. PAY ATTENTION: Your wizard may appear multiple times during your quest. Every time the wizard appears, they will have an important gift or message for you.

Keep in mind the goal of our quest requires outside help. We do not have all the resources we need for the quest. The wizard will help.

Dragonology. Meet the dragon. Worthy quests always involve contact with dragons. The extent of your wealth, fame and happiness depends not on the final reward from the quest but on the strength of the most deadly dragon you conquer while on your quest.

CAUTION: All dragons are fierce, powerful and temperamental, but some dragons are really wizards in disguise. These dragon-wizards love quests and may want to help you if you ask; but you must ask. Think about it, your quest will go much easier with a powerful dragon or two at your side.

If the dragon decides to befriend you, you may not have to resort to any combat at all.

You meet a dragon when you learn that your project would succeed if not for Mr. X. Mr. X kills projects for fun. You approach Mr. X and find that far from a enemy dragon, he likes your project and wants to help by throwing his influence behind you. The dragon now helps with your project.

Always make sure the dragon is an enemy before engaging it. A wizard dragon is a terrible thing to waste.

Make sure your dragon is an enemy before you enter combat. Your dragon might be The Godfather, The Evil Empire, The Borg, a steep mountainside or changing technology.

Never waste your time slaying unworthy dragons. They provide no glory or reward. In business, don't fight battles that don't matter. You may create an enemy for life. While the unworthy dragon provides no fame or glory, they can kill you. Your death is not a good way to end your quest!

Slay the enemy dragon. Only when you have convinced yourself that your dragon is an enemy and that only you can slay it will you enter mortal combat. Use your inherent ability plus what help you get from your wizard to slay the dragon. You will need to use your wizard's help. Without this help, you have only your own previous resources.

If the quest really goes beyond your ability, the wizard or helping dragon can save the day for you. You must use the help your wizard gave to you or you probably won't win. Even if you were to win, wizards have a touchy streak. They expect you to use the help they give you if you ever want more help. Share your glory with your wizard and anyone else who helped.

If you find a true enemy dragon, and you think that you are the only one to fight it, go for it. You will probably need the help provided by your wizard.

Once you ensure victory over the enemy dragon, the prize is yours. Claim it and enjoy. You have earned it. Remember though you earned the prize because of the dragon you defeated.

Now, about that next quest!








--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dan Knapp helps people apply creative and intuitive techniques so they can achieve their goals and grow their businesses. For free monthly "Tips From the Coach" newsletter and weekly "Top Ideas List" send email to onlist@danknapp.com For archive of past newsletters, lists, articles and mini courses go to www.danknapp.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------