In his seminal book The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1949), Joseph Campbell outlined the Hero’s Journey or "monomyth," a universal narrative structure found in myths, literature, and films. It describes a person’s transformative journey through stages in a repeatable pattern we experience throughout life, leading us to a place of wisdom or insight.

The concept of the Call to Adventure is a key element of his Hero’s Journey framework, described in The Hero with a Thousand Faces. It represents the moment when the hero is invited or compelled to leave their ordinary world and embark on a transformative journey. The Call to Adventure symbolises life’s invitation to change and the step we take into the unknown to discover our potential, confront fears, and grow. It’s about leaving our comfort zones to pursue a greater destiny.

In everyday life, ‘the call’ could be a major life decision, such as pursuing a new career, overcoming a personal challenge, or seeking a higher purpose. Many of the books, films and biographies we admire are the representation of this hero’s journey, where the protagonist embarks on a physical or psychological journey into the unknown and is transformed into a different version of themselves.

Recognising that you are being called to an adventure can manifest in various signs, both external and internal. These signs often reflect a sense that your current life or situation is no longer fully aligned with your growth, purpose, or potential. Here are some common signs:

1 | A Feeling of Restlessness or Discontent

What It Feels Like: A sense that something is missing or that your current routines, relationships, or work no longer fulfill you.
Why It Matters: This restlessness indicates a desire for change or growth, nudging you to explore new possibilities.

2 | Encountering Challenges or Disruptions

What It Looks Like: Unexpected obstacles, crises, or life events shake up your status quo.
Why It Matters: These disruptions often act as catalysts, pushing you out of your comfort zone and into the unknown.

3 | A Sense of Curiosity or Pull Toward Something New

What It Feels Like: A strong curiosity or attraction toward a new idea, opportunity, or path, even if it feels risky or uncertain.
Why It Matters: This inner pull reflects your intuition or deeper self, guiding you toward a meaningful direction.

4 | Invitations or Opportunities You Didn’t Expect

What It Looks Like: Someone offers you a role, project, or chance that feels significant but also intimidating.
Why It Matters: External calls to adventure often arrive through people or situations that challenge your self-perception and capabilities.

5 | Feeling Stuck or Bored

What It Feels Like: A sense of stagnation, as if you’re going through the motions without real engagement or excitement.
Why It Matters: This is often a sign that you’re ready to leave your comfort zone and pursue something more meaningful.

6 | Fear or Resistance

What It Feels Like: You feel anxious or resistant about the prospect of change, even though it excites you.
Why It Matters: Fear often accompanies the call to adventure, as stepping into the unknown is inherently challenging.

7 | An Inner Voice or Gut Feeling

What It Feels Like: A persistent, quiet sense that you’re meant for something more, or that it’s time to take a leap.
Why It Matters: This inner voice is often your intuition or deeper self, signalling the need for transformation.

8 | A Desire for Growth or Exploration

What It Feels Like: A longing to learn, experience, or expand beyond your current environment or circumstances.
Why It Matters: This is a sign you’re ready to pursue something that aligns more deeply with your potential.

9 | Feeling Called to Contribute or Make an Impact

What It Looks Like: A desire to use your talents, skills, or experiences to make a difference in the world or your community.
Why It Matters: This reflects the deeper purpose often associated with a personal or professional adventure.

10 | Synchronicities

The call to adventure can manifest as restlessness, unexpected opportunities, inner curiosity, or external disruptions. While it often feels exciting, it may also be accompanied by fear or resistance. Recognising these signs and leaning into them is the first step toward embracing growth and transformation. Lean into the urge to take on an adventure. The only way to understand why you are being called is to answer the call!

You can use our free Am I ready for an Adventure Template to explore if it’s time to answer a call to adventure in your life.

If you’d like to explore your life stories in more detail, why not reach out to Made Better Human. We offer a comprehensive program, Made Better Stories which guides you through an approach you can take to unfold new meaning and perspective on your life stories. Or you might like to work with one of our narrative therapists / coaches who can offer one-on-one coaching that will support you as you work through your stories and the re-authoring process. Contact us here.