How will You Unleash the Hero in You this year?

In the midst of challenges like wars, poverty, hunger and injustice around the World; we ought not only to celebrate heroes, but we must ask ourselves about our contribution in solving these issues. “What are you doing for others?” is indeed a question that still resonates today.

As we celebrate Heroes day in a couple of days, let’s ask ourselves, can we be a hero?

Do you ever wonder what makes a person good or bad? We know that our world is filled with villain and heroes – and those in between. (Where many fall – me inclusive I confess…)

Look at this portrait by M.C. Escher presenting this idea. When you squint and focus on the white as the figures and the black as the background, you see a world full of angels dancing around happily. But now focus on the black as the figures and the white as the background: Now it’s a world full of demons.

What Escher is telling us is that the world is filled with angels and devils, goodness and badness, and these dark and light aspects of human nature are our basic yin and yang. That is, we all are born with the capacity to be anything. Because of our incredible brains, anything that is imaginable becomes possible; anything that becomes possible can get transformed into action, for better or for worse. 

While it is a fact that we are made up of both, what is equally clear is that ultimately we have the power to decide to unleash our better side – or not. So as we celebrate Heroes Day, my challenge is this;  how will you unleash the hero in you this year?

How can we – I am part of the challenge – build the focus on ‘others’ and shift from ourselves? 

If you are in for the challenge, let me share a few ideas on what you can do this year to unleash the hero within you

Help others

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”   Ralph Waldo Emerson

Endure hardships

“Heroes aren’t always the ones who win. They are the ones who lose sometimes. But they keep fighting. They keep coming up. They don’t give up. That’s what makes them heroes.” Cassandra Clare

Risk being uncomfortable

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”  T. S. Eliot 

Oppose Injustice

"Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are." Benjamin Franklin

There is so much we can do to make a difference around us. If we realize that a hero is an ordinary person who acts in an extraordinary way in a given situation, then we might begin to look at situations around us differently. Let’s not wait for someone else to solve issues that are dear to us when we can be that person. It is tempting to ignore injustice that happens in our work place, our communities just because we are not directly concerned, but we can also choose to be that person who will rise to the occasion. I believe heroes are also scared, but they choose to do it afraid.

As we remember our fallen Heroes this week and the everyday heroes who are defending a worthy cause, let us think of ways to unleash the hero in us this year? 

Happy Heroes Day!

What is your 2K17 WORD?

As I began the exercise of goal setting this year, I was looking for a vision that would be short and keep me going. Nothing beats a powerful vision. And nothing beats simplicity. So I thought, how about a WORD?  What if I could have a one word vision that would carry me throughout the year? That way, I would not only remember it but it would have to transpire in every goal I set.  Wouldn’t that be great? I mean, just think about the revolutions we have witnessed around the world and just how simple words were used to drive the ideas behind

I have a dream by MLK we celebrated this week drove an entire generation fighting for equality and freedom.

Think Different by Steve Jobs brought the revolution we have today as we carry powerful gadgets in our pockets that we never thought was possible.

Just do it by Nike drives action. It has become so popular that you could just say Nike it and people would get it.

Boundaryless by Jack Welch that I recently learned about in his book “Straight from the Gut” (a very long but powerful read) provides great insights in the use of simple visions to drive positive change.

These are just few examples. They have driven individuals, communities and companies. Simple and powerful words.

So what is your Word?

Are you looking at keeping fit this year? Do you want to advance in your career and finally take that leap of faith into writing that book, starting that blog?  If your answer is yes, then your word could be MOVE or ACTION

“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Are you interested in self development?  You want to finally get that MBA you have been talking about for the past two years or more? You didn’t achieve your set savings targets last year for one reason or another? You word could be ACHIEVE

“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals” Zig Ziglar 

Do you feel, you are great at starting things but not so good at finishing what you started? Perhaps you are taking on too many projects. You wanted to start a new career, post weekly on your blog, launch a business and run the marathon, but failed on most if not all? You want to avoid the frustration this year? You word could be FOCUS.

Focus like a laser, not a flashlight - Michael Jordan

My experience has shown me that it is not that easy to come up with one word as it seems at first. However the exercise helps to focus on what exactly should be different this year and what is your priority for the next 50 weeks. So if you struggle finding that word or even feel like changing after a few days, that’s fine. It is all part of the process. Once you have thought about it, choose your word and pursue it fiercely and diligently. I believe you will celebrate what you have achieved or better still who you have become by the end of this year. That’s certainly my wish.

Oh, and just in case you are wondering what my word is. It is MOVE. So next time, you see me moving around town, you will know why. I hope you get to share your WORD with me. 

I would also love to hear about your annual goals and promise to share mine as well, how about that? Drop me an email.