Acceptance of the Call

In the journey toward self-discovery and personal growth, we often encounter invisible barriers that seem to hold us back from reaching our full potential.  The biggest of which is ourselves.

The wisdom of Steven Pressfield, Joseph Campbell, and Phil Stutz provides a compelling roadmap for navigating these challenges, highlighting the crucial role of Acceptance in the process of personal transformation. Their teachings, though arising from distinct perspectives, converge on a common theme: the necessity of confronting and overcoming the internal obstacles that stand in our way.

Steven Pressfield, in his exploration of the creative process of Turning Pro as a writer, introduces us to the concept of Resistance—a pervasive force fueled by fear, procrastination, and self-doubt. This Resistance acts as the primary antagonist in our quest for achievement, whether in art, career, or personal development. Pressfield’s message is clear: to move from an amateur to a professional in any field, we must recognize Resistance, face it head-on, and commit ourselves to our endeavors with unwavering discipline and perseverance.

Echoing Pressfield’s insights, Joseph Campbell’s mythological framework of the Hero's Journey presents the "Refusal of the Call" as a critical juncture.  At this stage, the hero faces a moment of hesitation before embarking on their transformative journey. This reluctance mirrors Pressfield’s Resistance, symbolizing an internal struggle against the forces of change and growth. For the hero to advance, they must resolve this conflict and accept the call to adventure, setting the stage for their eventual metamorphosis.

Phil Stutz adds another layer to this discussion with his concept of the "reverse indicator." According to Stutz, the presence of fear and resistance is not just an obstacle but a signpost, indicating that the path being avoided is one of significant personal importance. Accepting and moving toward what we fear, Stutz argues, is a pivotal step in our journey of self-evolution, transforming challenges into opportunities for profound personal growth.

The concept of Resistance as introduced by Steven Pressfield, the Refusal of the Call from Joseph Campbell’s Hero's Journey, and Phil Stutz's notion of the "reverse indicator" all highlight the internal barriers that prevent us from achieving our fullest potential and embracing our true purpose. By understanding how these obstacles are actually indicators pointing us towards our most meaningful paths, we can employ the character strengths of Perspective, Judgment, and Spirituality from the Acceptance stage of the ARIA model to navigate through and overcome these challenges.

Perspective

• Addressing Resistance and Refusal: Perspective allows us to see Resistance and the Refusal of the Call as part of a larger narrative of growth and self-discovery. By adopting a broader viewpoint, we can recognize that these challenges are not merely obstacles but essential elements of our journey towards realizing our potential. This broader outlook helps us understand that the very presence of Resistance often signifies that we are on the verge of something profoundly important and meaningful.
  
  
• As a Reverse Indicator: Through the lens of Perspective, Resistance becomes a reverse indicator, signaling that our true purpose lies just beyond the barriers we face. It encourages us to look beyond immediate difficulties and envision the greater impact and fulfillment that await us once we commit to our path. This long-view approach motivates us to push through challenges, knowing that they are integral to our personal and professional development.

Judgment

• Addressing Resistance and Refusal: Judgment empowers us to critically assess our feelings of Resistance and moments of Refusal. It involves evaluating whether our fears are justified or if they are simply reactions to stepping out of our comfort zones. This character strength helps us differentiate between genuine concerns that need addressing and irrational fears that hold us back from pursuing our calling.
  
  
• As a Reverse Indicator: Judgment allows us to interpret Resistance as a guide rather than a hindrance. By critically analyzing our reluctance, we can discern the significance of the path we are avoiding. This clarity can reveal that the direction we resist most might very well be where our true purpose and potential lie, guiding us to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Spirituality

• Addressing Resistance and Refusal: Spirituality, in the context of the ARIA model, relates to a deep sense of connection to something greater than oneself, whether it's personal values, a higher power, or the universe. This connection provides the strength to face Resistance and move beyond the Refusal of the Call to answer the call to adventure. It imbues our journey with a sense of purpose and meaning, making it easier to accept and confront challenges.
  
  
• As a Reverse Indicator: Spirituality helps us see Resistance as a sign that we are aligned with—or need to align with—our deeper purpose. The struggle becomes a signal that we are close to our core mission or calling, urging us to persevere. When we feel disconnected from our path, the spiritual dissonance can manifest as Resistance, guiding us back to our true journey.

Incorporating the insights of Pressfield, Campbell, and Stutz into the ARIA framework, we come to view Acceptance not just as a stage in the model, but as a dynamic and transformative process. It becomes a practice recognizing and overcoming Resistance is itself a path to discovering our true potential and achieving personal fulfillment. As we embark on this journey, we learn that the greatest victories are often won not by avoiding the obstacles in our path, but by facing them head-on, with an open heart and a willing spirit.

In leveraging Perspective, Judgment, and Spirituality, we learn to interpret Resistance and the Refusal of the Call not as signs to turn back, but as indicators that we are on the precipice of meaningful growth. These character strengths empower us to embrace our challenges as essential components of our journey, guiding us towards fulfilling our deepest purposes and achieving our greatest potential. This nuanced approach transforms our understanding of obstacles, viewing them as signposts directing us towards our most authentic and purposeful lives.