50% of all story problems can be solved by splitting the Main Character’s personal problems as separate from the Overall Story concerns. Yes, they’re connected, but they’re not the same. You’re not writing a story about a Protagonist.

I still remember when people’s heads exploded when I told them that Victor Lazlo, NOT Rick, was the Protagonist of Casablanca.

Rick was the Main Character. Victor was the Protagonist.

Know the difference and you can save months off your next rewrite.