Facing Monsters, the Cost of Treasure and Pain with Purpose
Monsters. They lurk in our stories and myths as ancient foes to be conquered. But in real life, monsters aren’t always dragons or villains. Often, they’re much closer to home—sneaky forces that creep into our minds and lives. Distraction, Resistance, Victimhood, Procrastination, Anxiety—these are the modern-day monsters we wrestle with on our own Hero’s Journeys.Recently, I found myself reflecting on this after a conversation with my kids. We were talking about the Hero’s Journey, a framework I love for its universal resonance. The path from the Ordinary World to the treasure we seek is rarely a straight line, and there’s always a monster standing guard. What I’ve been pondering since is not just the monsters themselves, but how we approach them, what they reveal, and the nature of the treasures they hide.
What Makes a Monster?
At its core, a monster is anything that stands in the way of growth or transformation. It can be external—a difficult challenge, an unfair system, or even another person. But more often, the monsters we face are internal. They live in the whispers of doubt that tell us we’re not good enough, the pull of distractions that keep us from our purpose, and the tempting narratives of victimhood that allow us to avoid responsibility.It’s easy to label these struggles as “just part of life,” but calling them monsters changes the dynamic. A monster is something you can face, fight, and ultimately overcome—or, in some cases, tame or embrace. I thought it was interesting that my kids seemed to feel that naming a struggle externalizes it, giving you the clarity and courage to engage with it on your own terms.
Fighting vs. Taming
Not every monster needs to be slain. In fact, some of the most profound growth comes from taming or embracing our monsters rather than defeating them outright. Resistance, for example, might feel like a foe when it keeps us from starting something important. But when we sit with it, resistance often points to fear: fear of failure, fear of success, or fear of change. Understanding that fear—and working through it—turns the monster into an unexpectedly helpful guide.Similarly, Distraction is a monster that can feel overwhelming, but it also holds clues. Why do we turn away from the work that matters most to us? Is it because we’re afraid we’ll fall short, or is it because the work itself isn’t aligned with our goals? By engaging with these monsters instead of simply fighting them, we can learn from them and ultimately find a way forward. This is something that I look forward to continuing to dive deeper into for sure.
The Cost of Treasure
The Hero’s Journey is often framed as a tale of triumph: face the monster, claim the treasure, live happily ever after. But there’s a deeper truth that stories sometimes gloss over—every treasure comes with a cost.Whether the treasure is personal growth, a hard-earned promotion, or a new skill, it brings new responsibilities. Gaining something valuable often means destroying or letting go of something else: a belief, a habit, or even a relationship that no longer serves you. And sometimes, the very act of acquiring the treasure changes you in ways you couldn’t have anticipated.
This cost isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s worth considering. And are we prepared for the responsibility that comes with the treasure? What will we need to give up to hold onto it? Reflecting on these questions ensures that the treasure we seek is truly worth the journey.
Parenting Through the Monsters
As a parent, I often think about my role in my children’s journeys. It’s tempting to want to slay the monsters for them, to make their paths smooth and clear. This protective instinct may be helpful when you’re living in the forest trying to make sure the bear doesn’t eat your baby, but now that we’re out of the metaphorical woods - not so much. And if we’re honest, this protective instinct can sometimes mask our own ego’s need to steal the spotlight in someone else’s story…The truth is, the trials are what make the hero. My job isn’t to fight their battles but to equip them with the tools to face their monsters—and to be there when they need encouragement or support.
This means encouraging them to recognize and discern between their monsters, to see Resistance or Distraction not as insurmountable obstacles but as challenges they have the power to overcome. It also means helping them understand that treasure they will gain comes with responsibility, and that even victories require care and attention.
It’s not easy to step back and let them wrestle with their challenges. But I remind myself that every time they face a monster, they’re growing stronger, braver, and wiser.
What Monsters Teach Us
Monsters, as frightening as they can be, are also profound teachers. They show us where we’re stuck, what we fear, and where we need to grow. They demand courage, resilience, and sometimes a willingness to destroy or discard parts of ourselves that are not serving our greater purpose or goals. And while facing them can be hard, the treasures they guard—wisdom, growth, transformation—are worth the struggle.The Hero’s Journey is not just a story; it’s a framework for life. We all have monsters to face, whether they’re external challenges or internal shadows. By naming them, engaging with them, and learning from them, we move closer to the treasures we seek.
So, what’s your monster? And what treasure is it guarding? Perhaps it’s time to step into the cave and find out.
Related to this Episode
- #Monsters Collection - Take a peek into the darker side of being a Hero. Do you recognize any of these scary beasts?
- #Hero'sJourney Collection - Explore how the timeless Hero's Journey narrative serves as the scaffolding for the stories we craft, share, and live—both with others and within ourselves.
- #HeroToolshed Collection - Take a peek at some of the key tools our Heroes use everyday to level up their skills and mindset.
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About the Author
Angela is passionate about reshaping the way kids learn and grow. As the co-founder of Acton Academy Northwest Austin,
Angela is dedicated to fostering a learner-driven environment where
curiosity thrives and students take ownership of their educational
journeys. When not working with young heroes, they’re often exploring
big ideas on education, parenting, and lifelong learning right here on
the blog.
Want to learn more about our innovative approach to education? Check out Acton Academy Northwest Austin to see how we’re redefining school for the next generation of curious thinkers and independent learners.
Want to learn more about our innovative approach to education? Check out Acton Academy Northwest Austin to see how we’re redefining school for the next generation of curious thinkers and independent learners.