Tests and Helpers

Today we're exploring the sixth stage of being a hero (from Joseph Campbell's book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces):

6: The hero encounters tests and helpers.

The hero is forced to make allies and enemies in the special world, and to pass certain tests and challenges that are part of his training. In STAR WARS, the cantina is the setting for the forging of an important alliance with Han Solo, and the start of an important enmity with Jabba The Hut. Frodo and Sam faced their first test and found some good allies when they met up with Merry and Pippen and then were almost found by the Black Riders. In CASABLANCA, Rick's Cafe is the setting for the "alliances and enmities" phase, and in many westerns it's the saloon where these relationships are established.

So, what do you think?

When it comes to tests and helpers, how do you normally respond? Do you allow other people to help? Do you ask for help? Do you second guess yourself at the first roadblock? When things begin to get difficult do you take that as a "sign" that it "wasn't meant to be"? Or do you see it as a challange to be faced and overcome? Do you find it easy to take "no" for an answer?