
Donald Miller
A practical system for living a life of meaning by becoming the hero of your own story.
Donald Miller was inspired by Viktor Frankl’s work after a cross-country bike trip left him searching for lasting meaning.
Section 1
7 Sections
Welcome, dear listener, to the beginning of your own hero’s journey. Imagine, for a moment, that your life is a story—and not just any story, but one filled with hidden potential, waiting to be discovered.
The victim is the part of us that feels stuck, hopeless, and at the mercy of fate. We all know this feeling—lying in bed, unable to rise, believing the world is against us. The villain, born from pain, turns inward and lashes out, making others small to feel big. The hero, however, is the one who, despite fear and uncertainty, rises to meet the challenge. And the guide? The guide is the one who, having endured and transformed, turns to help others find their way.
What’s beautiful, and perhaps surprising, is that we shift between these roles every day. There are moments when we surrender to victimhood, others when we let bitterness creep in and play the villain, and—if we’re lucky—times when we step into the shoes of the hero, bravely facing what lies ahead. Eventually, as we grow, we may even become the guide, offering wisdom and compassion to those still struggling.
But not all roles are equal.
Stories, both fictional and real, mirror this truth. The most compelling tales begin with a character in crisis—a victim, perhaps, or someone tempted by villainy. But as the plot unfolds, that character must choose: remain stuck, or rise up and change. This is the heart of transformation, and it’s as true in your life as it is in any novel.
Recognizing these roles within ourselves is the first step to rewriting our story.
As we move forward, let’s explore how we can shift from passivity to agency, and discover the power of taking control of our own narrative. The journey from victim to hero begins with a single, courageous step.
7 more insights available in app
Unlock all 7 sections, 8 insights, full audio, and interactive mind map in the SnapBooks app.
Discover How Embracing Every Role—Victim, Villain, Hero, and Guide—Can Transform Your Story
Read articleSimple Steps to Move from Victimhood to Heroism Using Donald Miller’s Proven Strategies
Read article
Ali Abdaal

Dick Schaefer; Pamela Espeland

Robin Sharma

Jeff Haden