ABSTRACT
An idealist planning career relates to Joseph Campbell's idea of the "hero's journey", a process by which a person is called to a higher purpose, faces challenges along the way, receives help, has low points and crises, undergoes transformation, and then returns with new powers and perspective. Some idealist planners see a hero's journey in their work. The nature of planning—the idealism, the drama of politics, and the breadth of activities—means that there is no standard career. A planner using a principled adaptability style navigates the space between idealism and realism as a relational act, through internal reflection and in dialogue with others. Planners comply with laws, city manager's and council's directives, and client and community wishes. Every planning context offers room for personal authenticity. Planning is a continual, growth-inducing enterprise. Stare down the frustrations inherent in planning in a liberal democracy with grit and grace.
