The NPC Trap
Stop living by someone else's script. Shift from being an NPC in your own life to the protagonist of your story, using focus and humility to regain clarity and control. The script is predictable. Wait for the prompt. React. Follow the predetermined path. Do the pre-programmed actions. That’s the game of the Non-Player Character. It’s safe, it’s easy, and it’s not your story. The alternative is to be the protagonist. The protagonist owns the narrative. They decide which quests to ignore. They set the boundaries. They cut out the side-plots that drain their energy. This isn’t about hogging the spotlight. It’s about intention. And the paradox? The best protagonists know it’s not a single-player game. Every other person on the screen is the hero of their own story. True humility isn’t thinking less of your character; it’s being deeply invested in the larger world you inhabit. The world doesn’t need another NPC. It’s waiting for your story to unfold. The syndrome is believing you’re the only hero. The goal isn’t to be the hero of the story, but the hero of your story.Protagonist vs. Main Character Syndrome
Humus, Human and Humility
Human and humility both come from humus—the Latin word for “earth.” It’s a built-in reminder to stay grounded.