The Lord of the Rings series are some of my favorite movies to watch. The characters are well developed, and the action sequences are fun to watch. There are big battle scenes and moments of compassion. If you are not familiar with the series, the main character, Frodo, is on a grand quest to destroy the Ruling Ring to defeat evil and people can live in peace and with freedom.
There are times Frodo is unsure where to go or what to do. What Frodo does not realize is he has a guide. Not Gandalf. He’s a mentor. It’s Samwise Gamgee. Sam is there for Frodo, challenges him, laughs, and cries with him. Throughout the journey, Sam makes it clear to Frodo, this is his quest.
One of the goals for a fiction novel or movie is that we can see ourselves in the story, generally as the main character, the hero. While we do not battle with Orcs, we often encounter struggle, setback, conflict, and decisions that must be made in order to move forward.
The MicroShift philosophy was born out of the idea that small changes done regularly will lead to big results. Too often leaders like you want big, bold, instant change. In the short term, this can have success, but for long term, lasting change in your life, there is another way. The journey is longer and sometimes it does not feel worth the struggle.
Frodo did not always understand he had the strength in him. At times, he felt like a fraud. That’s when Sam would encourage and challenge Frodo to take the next step or do the next task and challenge his held beliefs so Frodo could successfully complete the journey.
What I know about success is the more you have, the more you can feel like you don’t fit. Can I tell you a secret? If you feel like a fraud or that you don’t fit, that means you are normal. Who is your Sam? Who encourages and challenges you?
While I have had success as a leader, Frodo has never connected with me. When I watch the movies, I watch through the eyes of Samwise Gamgee. Encouraging, challenging, getting dirty with the Frodo’s in my life. It’s what I love to do.
My name is Jason and I help leaders find freedom and insights of growth using inquiry based coaching. I can be your Samwise. One step at a time, one change at a time.
Who is your Samwise Gamgee?