Alex’s Odyssey: The Reawakening

A Journey Through Self-Discovery and the Renewal of Purpose

Once upon a time, there was a writer named Alex. Alex had always been passionate about his work, but over time, he began to feel burnt out, drained and as unmotivated as a sloth on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Alex knew he needed a change, but he didn’t know where to start.

One day, Alex heard about a guide who could help him overcome his problems, a guide rumored to be so wise that Yoda himself had taken pointers from him. Intrigued, Alex sought out the guide and asked for help. The guide agreed to take Alex under his wing and help him develop a plan of action.

Skeptical at first, Alex started working with the guide and soon began to see the value of having a mentor. The guide helped Alex identify the root of his problem: he had lost sight of his bigger purpose as a writer. His passion had fizzled out like a soggy campfire.

With the guide’s help, Alex sat down and developed a plan to recapture his zeal. This plan was specific, actionable, and achievable, but it also required Alex to step out of his comfort zone and make changes in his life.

Alex was nervous about making a change. After all, what he had been doing was working. Although it was somewhat like a car that sputters and stalls and still gets you to your destination (eventually), then the luxury ride he had dreamed of. He knew he needed to take action if he wanted to find fulfillment and reignite the passion in his life and work.

The first step, written on scrolls handed down from the greats, read: Reconnect with your passions. Alex spent the rest of that afternoon reflecting on what had brought him joy in the past and what he wanted to achieve in the future. It was late in the day when he realized that he had slowly drifted into believing what others said he should be doing had more value than what he felt he should be doing. He had been so focused on comparing his work and success to others’ that he had lost sight of what had sparked his desire to tell his story in the first place.

The second step revealed to him was to remember that “you matter too.” It was the word “too” that made Alex pause. As a writer, he knew “too” meant “in addition, also,” as well as “to a higher degree.” Alex decided he needed to take a walk and just think this out. Was the wise old mentor saying you matter also, or you matter at a higher degree than anyone else? Surely such a sage master would not be encouraging him to think he was better than others. Then it hit him. Maybe it could mean both. Maybe he was to value himself as much as he valued others, and by taking care of himself first, he could better understand and serve others. Willing to try and follow the mentor’s plans for at least the 75 days he promised, no matter how hard, Alex began to exercise regularly, eat healthier, and get more sleep. He also made time for his hobbies and spent more quality time with their loved ones. These simple changes were challenging at first, but with the support of his mentor and loved ones, Alex began to feel more energized and motivated.

The third step told Alex to reevaluate his work. This step seemed the most frightening; after all, Alex had spent years building and branding his business. He was deeply invested in the work he did, and his mentor was asking him to toss it all out the window like yesterday’s stale bread. Taking a deep breath, Alex pulled out his planner and looked at his calendar and project list. Doing so, he realized that he had been working long hours in his business and not on his business. He, like so many Authorpreneurs, was spending time managing his business as opposed to investing time to grow his business into something better tomorrow. It was then he realized he needed to start delegating tasks to a VA (Virtual Assistant) and focusing on the projects that he was truly passionate about.

As Alex worked through each step of the plan, he faced many obstacles and challenges. There were times when he felt overwhelmed, stressed, and as unmotivated as a cat confronted with a closed door. But every time he stumbled, he remembered his commitment to following the plan for at least 75 days. He also knew his mentor and his support system were there to encourage him and keep him on track, like the world’s most reliable cheerleading squad.

One day, almost without notice, Alex found himself excited to get to his office. Something had silently shifted, like a ninja sneaking past a sleeping guard. Alex reached a breakthrough. He had landed a new client for his business, one that aligned with his passions and values. The client was excited about the work Alex was doing and offered him a long-term partnership. He was booked for a speaking event, with his speaking fee paid in full — in advance. Ironically this speaking gig was to a group of people who, just a few weeks before, he had considered pitching a “speak to for free offer” to. This was what Alex had longed for — his moment of arrival.

Sitting at his desk, he glanced over at the mentor’s scroll and knew that he had come a long way and that there was still work to be done, but he felt confident and empowered to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. He knew he now had a 3-step process to keep his zeal and passion front and center in his business.

Like all good stories, we need to have at least some type of happy ending to make it complete.

So, as the story comes to a close, we see Alex living a more fulfilling life with a renewed sense of purpose and passion, like a phoenix rising from the ashes of his burnout. He has achieved a new level of success, and it’s clear that only great things are ahead for his Authorpreneur journey. Each day he works with the scrolls, talking to his support team and mentor, knowing that he has the tools to overcome any future obstacles.

The moral of this whimsical tale of Alex’s transformation, dear reader, is that even when you find yourself as burnt out as an overused fire pit, there’s always hope for change. Remember, it’s never too late to reconnect with your passions, treat yourself like the magnificent creature you are, and reevaluate your work to align with what truly sets your heart aflutter. For, like a determined squirrel on a quest for nuts, with the right guidance, support, and a touch of humor, you, too can rediscover your zest for life and achieve unimaginable success. So grab hold of your metaphorical nuts and let the adventure begin!

Eric G. Reid
Co-Founder/Editor/Publisher ~ Skinny Brown Dog Media
Email Eric@EricGReid.com