After being seen, stirred, and supported, your audience reaches a decision point. This is the threshold — the moment they say yes to a new path, and an opportunity to offer your solution as an aligned next step.
Stage 5 of 12 in the Hero’s Journey Framework — a series helping you build story-aligned brands, offers, and content that actually connect.
After being seen, called, and supported, your audience stands at a threshold.
This is the moment something real begins. The decision to move. The point where they say, “I’m in.”
Stage 5 is about helping your audience step from intention into action.
What is Crossing the Threshold?
In classic storytelling, this is the scene where the hero leaves the familiar behind and enters a new world. It’s not just symbolic — it’s a moment of movement.
In your brand, it’s the first real commitment: clicking “join,” scheduling the call, signing up. It’s where fear and possibility meet.
This is the moment they step in — and everything starts to shift.
Why It Matters in Your Message
This is where a lot of creators push too hard — or hold back too much.
Your audience doesn’t need more persuasion. They need a clear, confident invitation. Something that says: “Here’s the path. Here’s what it looks like to walk it. And here’s how to begin.”
This stage works when you:
- Frame your offer as a bridge, not a finish line
- Make the first step feel simple, supported, and intentional
- Reassure them that action doesn’t require perfection
Without the Threshold: “Here’s everything you’ll get when you buy now.”
With the Threshold: “You’re ready. This is where it begins.”
How to Use It in Your Brand
Where to use it:
- Mid to bottom of your sales page
- At the end of a story-based social post or email
- On the call-to-action section of a lead magnet landing page
Tone to aim for:
- Calm, grounded, empowering
- Inviting without being pushy
What to write:
- A clear summary of what they’re stepping into
- A first step that feels easy to take
- A reason to act now that’s rooted in them, not you
Prompts to explore:
- “What does this next chapter look like — emotionally, practically?”
- “How can you help them feel confident about the first step?”
- “What reassurance would help them feel safe crossing this line?”
Example lines:
- “You don’t need to have it all figured out, just take the first step.”
- “Here’s what happens next…”
- “This is an invitation into a new way of doing things.”
3 Practical Applications
Sales Page CTA Section
- Use: “You’ve felt the pull. This is the step.”
- Why it works: Brings the emotional journey to a moment of choice
- How to apply: Keep the CTA simple, direct, and affirming
Instagram Carousel Close
- Slide: “Ready to cross the line from thinking to doing?”
- Why it works: Echoes the theme without sounding heavy
- How to apply: Use visual storytelling to walk them to the threshold
Email CTA Paragraph
- End with: “If something in you knows it’s time, here’s your next step.”
- Why it works: Centers the decision in their readiness
- How to apply: Link clearly, no pressure language
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the act of saying yes feel like for your audience?
- What might still make them hesitate?
- How can you make the first step feel safe, exciting, and supported?
- What kind of transformation is possible if they say yes?
Final Thought
When you frame your offer as a meaningful next step — not a hard sell — your audience doesn’t just click. They commit.
This is where your message shifts from “Here’s what I’m offering” to “This is where your story moves forward.”
Next up → Stage 6: Tests, Allies, and Enemies
Explore how to build trust through proof, storytelling, and shared momentum.
