There’s a formula.

A few years ago, I spent a couple months reading books about screenwriting.

Because I’m a dork like that.



One thing I learned is that movies tend to follow a formula that deliberately appeals to the human psyche. A first-rate script engages the mind, tugs the emotions, and speaks deeply to the hero within.

If you watch closely, a great movie is a psychological inquiry that seeks the answer to a single question.

Sometimes this question is asked directly by a main character; other times it’s implied through a character’s arc.

The question…

Who are you?


It’s a question of profound resonance. Consciously or subconsciously, it instantly connects with our very being. Because it’s a question that we repeatedly ask ourselves.



Who are you?



For most people there’s a wide gap between who they are and who they’ve been pretending to be. They make life decisions based on the expectations of others. They please everyone but themselves. Instead of following their heart’s desires, they conform to a set of shoulds. They feel like they’re living someone else’s life.

They’ve become so addicted to the approval of others that they’ve either forgotten who they really are, or never discovered it in the first place.

So they long for consent. For someone or some thing to give them permission to be who they really are.

But that’s not how it works.

In the movies the hero never asks for permission to set out on the journey, to develop his or her hidden gifts, to transform oneself and slay the dragon.

He may have doubts. She may be reluctant. Nevertheless, they heed the call to adventure and choose the road less traveled.

Because that’s what heroes do. Deep down that’s who they are. It’s who they always were.

It’s who you really are.

On today’s episode of the podcast, Dr. John Demartini shares a story about becoming the hero of your own life by giving yourself permission to let you be you.

Source: Bounce Back: Dr. John DeMartini Master Course to Deal with Tough Times

Enjoy today’s quote. Leave a comment below and let us know what you think!

Sean