The Reward: Claiming Your Inner Power

This week, we’re talking about the good stuff. After last week’s deep dive into the abyss – yeah, that dark, messy place we all gotta visit on our Hero’s Journey – it’s time to talk about what comes next. We’re talking about the Reward.

Look, you don’t go through hell and high water, you don’t stare down your demons and wrestle with your limitations, just to come out the other side… well, just the same. That ain’t how growth works. That ain’t how life works. The whole damn point of facing the abyss, of enduring those trials and tribulations, is to emerge… transformed.

And that transformation? It comes with a prize. It comes with a Reward.

This week, we’re cracking open the treasure chest of your Hero’s Journey. We’re going to talk about claiming your inner power. We’re going to explore what that “reward” actually is, how to recognise it in your own life, and how to make damn sure you don’t just pocket it and forget about it. We’re going to talk about how to truly integrate this newfound wisdom, this hard-earned power, into every freakin’ aspect of your life and relationships.

Because here’s the deal: the Hero’s Journey isn’t just about surviving the bad times. It’s about becoming more than you were before. It’s about levelling up. And the Reward? That’s your level-up badge.

From Trial by Fire to Forged Steel: The Hero Transformed

Remember those stories we all grew up with? The hero goes on a quest, faces all kinds of crazy obstacles, maybe even almost bites the dust a few times… and then? They come back different. Better. (Hercules came to mind, I used to be fascinated by all the stories of ancient Greek fables).

Think about it: Frodo doesn’t just waltz back into the Shire unchanged after destroying the Ring. He carries the weight of his journey, the wisdom of his experiences, in his very being. Katniss Everdeen isn’t just a tribute anymore; she’s a symbol of rebellion, forever marked by the Games, but also undeniably empowered by what she’s endured.

The trials, the ordeals, the descent into the abyss – they strip away the unnecessary, the weak, the inauthentic. They burn away the dross and leave behind the pure metal. They forge you into something stronger, something more resilient, something… well, something more you than you were before.

This transformation isn’t some overnight magic trick. It’s earned. It’s built on grit, on struggle, on facing down the hard truths about yourself and the world around you. And when you emerge from that fire, you’re not just singed around the edges; you’re fundamentally changed at your core.

What Exactly Is This “Reward” We’re Talking About?

Okay, so you’re transformed. Great. But what does that actually mean in practical, real-life terms? What’s this “Reward” that makes all the pain and struggle worthwhile?

It ain’t always a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Sometimes, it’s far more valuable. The Reward isn’t always tangible. Often, it’s… internal.

Newfound Inner Strength: This is the bedrock of the Reward. You’ve stared down fear, you’ve wrestled with doubt, and you’ve come out the other side. That experience builds an inner core of strength that nothing can shake. You know, in your bones, that you can handle tough times. You know you’re tougher than you ever thought possible. That’s power, right there.
Unshakeable Self-Belief: You doubted yourself, maybe intensely, during the trials. But you pushed through. You kept going. You did it. And that experience creates unshakeable self-belief. It’s not arrogant bravado; it’s a deep, quiet confidence that comes from knowing, not just hoping, that you can overcome challenges.
Clarity of Purpose: The abyss can strip away the distractions, the noise, the superficial goals. It can force you to confront what truly matters. And often, on the other side, you emerge with a crystal-clear sense of purpose. You know what you’re here to do, what you’re meant to contribute, what truly lights you up inside. That clarity is a compass in a chaotic world.
Deeper Self-Awareness: Introspection in the abyss? Yeah, it’s painful, but it’s also invaluable. You learn your triggers, your weaknesses, your strengths, your values, your shadow sides. You become intimately acquainted with the landscape of your own inner world. That self-awareness is the foundation for all real growth and mastery.
Expanded Capacity for Empathy and Compassion: Having walked through your own darkness, you develop a profound empathy for others who are struggling. You understand their pain on a visceral level. You lose the judgment and gain compassion. And in a world that desperately needs more empathy, that’s a powerful reward indeed.
Authenticity: The trials can strip away the masks, the pretenses, the inauthentic parts of yourself. You’re forced to get real with yourself and with the world. And what emerges is a more authentic version of you – truer to your values, your passions, your unique self. Authenticity is magnetic. It’s empowering. It’s liberating.

These are just some of the treasures you can find in the reward chest. The specific rewards will be unique to your journey, your trials, your personality. But the common thread is this: you emerge from the abyss more. More capable, more aware, more purposeful, more authentic, and undeniably more powerful.

Recognising Your Victories: Big Wins and Everyday Triumphs

Okay, so you’ve got this inner power, this transformation… but how do you even know you have it? How do you recognize this “Reward” in your own life?

It starts with paying attention. It starts with acknowledging your victories. And not just the big, flashy, Instagram-worthy wins. We’re talking about all the victories, big and small.

We’re conditioned to focus on the big milestones: the promotion, the raise, the finished project, the external validation. And yeah, those are great. Celebrate those. But don’t discount the everyday triumphs, the quiet victories that often go unnoticed.

The “Small” Victories are Actually HUGE: Getting out of bed when you feel like you can’t? That’s a victory. Having a tough conversation instead of avoiding it? Victory. Making a healthy choice when you’re craving comfort food? Victory. Asking for help when you’re overwhelmed? Victory. These seemingly small actions are actually monumental when you recognize the inner strength it takes to achieve them, especially when you’re coming out of a challenging period.
Acknowledge the Progress, Not Just the Destination: We get so fixated on the end goal that we forget to appreciate the journey itself. But the journey is where the real growth happens. Acknowledge your progress. Look back and see how far you’ve come. Notice the changes in yourself, your mindset, your abilities. Celebrate the milestones along the way, not just the finish line.
Track Your Wins (Yes, Really): Sounds cheesy? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. Keep a “victory log.” It can be a journal, a note on your phone, whatever works. Each day, jot down at least one or two things you did well, challenges you overcame, small victories you achieved. When you’re feeling down or doubting yourself, pull out that log and remind yourself of all the evidence of your strength and progress. It’s a powerful antidote to self-doubt.
Verbalise Your Victories: Don’t keep your wins locked up inside. Share them with trusted friends, mentors, your partner, your team. Verbalising your victories makes them real. It reinforces your self-belief. And it allows others to celebrate with you (and maybe even learn from your journey). It doesn’t have to be bragging; it’s about owning your achievements.
Learn to Receive Compliments (Gracefully): People will notice your transformation. They’ll see the changes in you. They might offer compliments on your resilience, your strength, your new perspective. Learn to receive those compliments gracefully. Don’t brush them off or minimize them. Say “thank you.” Let those positive words sink in. Let them validate your hard work and your progress.

Recognizing your victories isn’t about inflating your ego. It’s about acknowledging reality. It’s about building momentum. It’s about reinforcing the positive changes you’ve made and fueling your continued growth. It’s about claiming your Reward, piece by piece, victory by victory.

Celebrating Your Reward: It’s Not Selfish, It’s Essential

Once you recognize your victories, the next crucial step is to celebrate them. And I’m not talking about a half-hearted pat on the back and then back to the grind. I’m talking about real celebration. Joyful, meaningful, soul-nourishing celebration.

Why is celebration so important? Because it reinforces the positive. It anchors the learning. It refuels your motivation. And honestly, you freakin’ earned it.

It’s Not Selfish, It’s Fuel: We’re often taught that celebrating ourselves is selfish, boastful, or indulgent. Bullshit. Celebration is fuel for the soul. It’s a recognition of effort, a validation of progress, a boost of energy for the next challenge. Think of it like refuelling your car – you can’t keep driving on empty. Celebration is your emotional fuel stop.
Make it Meaningful, Not Just Material: Celebration doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant. It’s about being meaningful. Maybe it’s treating yourself to something you genuinely enjoy – a good book, a hike in nature, a relaxing bath. Maybe it’s spending quality time with loved ones. Maybe it’s taking a moment for quiet reflection and gratitude. The key is to choose celebrations that truly resonate with you and your values.
Share the Joy with Others: Celebration isn’t just a solo act. Share your joy with others. Celebrate with your team, your family, your friends who supported you on your journey. Sharing joy amplifies it. It strengthens bonds. And it creates positive energy that ripples outwards.
Mark the Milestones, Big and Small: Don’t wait for the massive victories to celebrate. Mark the smaller milestones too. Acknowledge the completion of a challenging phase, the breakthrough you had, the fear you overcame. These smaller celebrations keep your spirits high and prevent burnout on the long journey.
Let Yourself Feel the Joy: Don’t just go through the motions of celebration. Actually feel the joy, the pride, the gratitude. Savour the moment. Allow yourself to fully experience the positive emotions that come with acknowledging your reward. These positive feelings are powerful anchors that will sustain you in future challenges.

Celebrating your reward isn’t just about feeling good in the moment (though that’s definitely part of it!). It’s about building a positive feedback loop. It’s about reinforcing the behaviours and mindsets that led to your success. It’s about creating a life that’s not just about striving and struggling, but also about savouring the journey and enjoying the damn rewards you’ve earned.

Integrating Your Wisdom: Living Your Reward Every Day

Claiming your inner power, recognising your victories, celebrating your rewards… that’s all crucial. But the final, and perhaps most important, step is integration. It’s about weaving the wisdom you’ve gained, the power you’ve claimed, into the fabric of your everyday life. It’s about living your reward, not just experiencing it as a fleeting moment.

Integration isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process. It’s about consciously applying the lessons you’ve learned, the strengths you’ve discovered, to your daily choices, your relationships, your work, your entire way of being in the world.

Conscious Application of Lessons Learned: What did you actually learn in the abyss? Don’t let those lessons fade. Actively apply them. If you learned the importance of self-care, prioritize it daily. If you learned the power of vulnerability, practice it in your relationships. If you learned the value of resilience, remind yourself of that strength when you face new challenges. Make those hard-won lessons a conscious part of your decision-making process.
Embody Your Newfound Strength: You’re not just stronger now, you’re differently strong. Embody that strength in your actions, your posture, your communication. Walk taller, speak with more confidence, make decisions with greater clarity. Let your inner power radiate outwards. Don’t shrink back into your old self. Own your transformation.
Use Your Purpose as a Compass: That clarity of purpose you gained in the abyss? Let it guide you. Use it as your compass in navigating future decisions. Does this opportunity align with my purpose? Does this relationship support my purpose? Does this choice move me closer to my true north? Let your purpose be your guiding star.
Practice Empathy and Compassion in Your Relationships: Your expanded capacity for empathy and compassion is a gift – both to yourself and to others. Actively practice empathy in your relationships. Listen more deeply. Seek to understand others’ perspectives. Offer compassion and support, especially to those who are struggling. Let your own journey through darkness illuminate your path to connect with and support others.
Live Authentically, Every Day: That authenticity you discovered? Don’t let it be a fleeting thing. Live authentically, every day. Be true to your values, your passions, your unique self. Stop trying to be who you think you should be, and embrace who you are. Authenticity isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always empowering. And it’s the key to true fulfilllment.

Integration is the ongoing work of living your reward. It’s about making sure that the transformation you’ve undergone isn’t just a fleeting experience, but a lasting shift in your being. It’s about making your newfound power and purpose the driving force in your life, every single day.

The Reward is Not the End, It’s the Beginning of a New Chapter

The Hero’s Journey isn’t linear. It’s cyclical. You don’t just reach the “Reward” stage and then… it’s all sunshine and rainbows forever. Life doesn’t work that way. New challenges will inevitably arise. New abysses may loom on the horizon.

But here’s the beautiful truth: having claimed your inner power, having integrated your hard-won wisdom, you are now equipped to face those future challenges with far greater strength, resilience, and clarity.

The Reward isn’t the end of the journey; it’s the beginning of a new chapter. It’s the foundation upon which you build your next adventure, your next quest, your next cycle of growth and transformation.

So, embrace your Reward. Celebrate your victories. Integrate your wisdom. And then… get ready for the next chapter. Because the journey never truly ends. And that, my friends, is a damn good thing.

Now go out there and live your Reward. Claim your power. And keep mastering your journey, every step of the way.

Kindaichi Lee

Your Storytelling & Transformative Partner