Have you ever started a new project, only to feel like the universe was lined up against you?

I recently started down a new path in my business when, despite my enthusiasm, things started getting in my way. My schedule and my cash flow both went crazy. I was overwhelmed and frustrated.

Sometimes, when faced with unexpected obstacles, we start to doubt that our dreams are meant to be.

Before you give up, consider if you’re dealing with a threshold guardian.

What’s a Threshold Guardian?

In mythology, the hero must enter a new world in order to change and grow. The threshold guardian stands between the hero and that new world and, as such, is the first obstacle the hero encounters on his or her journey.

The role of the threshold guardian is to test the hero’s mettle and to show that the journey will not be easy. The hero encounters the guardian early in the story, usually right after the start of the quest.

And so do you.

Why I Love Mythology

Have you ever wondered why so many cultures share similar stories?

Mythology is the study of the stories we hold in our shared consciousness.  The hero’s quest is one of those stories, and you don’t have to look to Homer or Virgil to find it.

From Star Wars to Harry Potter to the latest Batman film, the hero myth is everywhere, and for good reason  -  it reflects our shared experience as human beings.  And threshold guardians are part of that experience.

What? Threshold Guardians are real?

Of course.  They just aren’t always people.

Just like the hero, you need to enter a new world in order to change and grow. But the journey is not easy. And the threshold guardian is there to test you.

The thing about the threshold guardian is that he’s a straw man. He may look like he’s big and strong, but he’s not really your enemy. He’s just there to turn away anyone who isn’t quite ready.

How to Beat the Threshold Guardian

Mythology teaches us that the best way to beat a threshold guardian is to make him your ally. (Han Solo, anyone?)

Sometimes all it takes is to realize that your problems aren’t really problems at all. When that happens, you can blow them away like dandelion fluff.

Remember, the universe will bring you everything you need for your quest, whether you are slaying dragons or building a million dollar business.  Believe it, then you’ll see it.

This entry was posted on July 20, 2012 at 3:38 pm and is filed under Motivation, Running Your Business. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.