I have always been fascinated by superheroes all my life. People with exceptional capabilities. Who take on their nemesis and save the day. Some can fly, some are exceptionally strong, no barrier or limit is big enough for them. Though mostly found in movies and comic books; is there something that you can learn from them?
Why do we even need to think about them, obviously if I look for someone who can fly by himself, or can spin a spider web then I will not find him or her in real life, but the values they represent is something that makes them so appealing to all of us. Let us imagine ourselves to be in a place where a small child has fallen into a river having a strong current, there is one person who is watching this, another person who jumps in the lake to save the child, and the child himself. Now think, which one of these people you are or you want to be? Are you just an onlooker who will see everything and do nothing, or the one who will jump into the river, even your peril to save a life? Without exception, most of us would like to be the one who will take the risk of drowning to save a life. In our hearts, we are all super. These superheroes show is in more ways than one what we want to be. From pages of comic books, they call out to us to be the best and the most righteous version of ourselves.
They can teach us a lot of things, like being courageous, having integrity and being brave. We can see that many of these characters are not born as superheroes. Except for superman who was from a different planet, other superhumans had to develop themselves. They identified their gifts and worked on them, to become good in the singular ability or superpower. This also means that they had to continuously work to improve themselves, embracing continuous improvement.
Apart from individual skills they display a high degree of courage and are not intimidated by their nemesis or circumstances. They go for what they feel is right even if the entire universe conspires against them. This conviction gives them strength when the odds are against them. They are honest in word and motive and will stand up to their adversaries even when outmatched. Doing this gives them a high degree of integrity. They are the defenders of the weak and the innocent. For them, if the fight is worth having for a reason, they will not back down.
The adventure called life will always have its crests and troughs. Sooner or later, you will come across a battle that you will have to fight. If you are not born with greatness, your circumstances will ensure that it is thrust upon you. It is now you will need the conviction, faith and belief in yourself to see the day through. You will have to be a superhero that you already are.
Superheroes solve problems, this gives them a healthy sense of self-worth and happiness. Happiness comes from only one place that is by solving problems, not consumption. No amount of luxury, exotic vacations, fancy clothes or cars can give you happiness. They might fall, once, twice or twentieth time be rest assured they will get back up. So should you, if you have decided what is right, and what you need to do; giving up is not an option.
The most important aspect of being a superhero is the power of choice, this is more important than any other superpower, which makes anyone super or exceptional. Your power does not lie in the gifts you have, but in choosing how to use them. This singularly defines any superhero. Superman is the strongest and fastest person there in the world. This means nothing if he does not choose to use this for a greater good. He can have all the money, all the power in the world still he chooses not to. His choice is to help others, that is what makes him super. The real power that makes who you are and what you want to be is the power of choice.
You do not have to be faster than a speeding bullet, or more powerful than a moving train. You might be weak, or even insignificant If you still choose to go for your dreams, facing overwhelming odds, with humility and calmness, and you choose to apply the gift you have for the greater good you can be a superhero.
We are living in a super-competitive world. The age of reason and enlightenment has released us from the grip of a feudal mindset that was prevalent a few centuries ago. You can be anything and anyone you want. But this freedom and realisation have come with a price. Anxiety, depression, self-doubt and a feeling that I will never be enough are some pressures that our ancestors were never exposed to. All around people are grinding away and running behind material success. When you do finally achieve it; you realise that you have run out of time in this life. This with overconsumption and over stimuli has damaged our bodies and minds beyond repair.
In times like this if you are a person who inspires others, who radiates kindness, empathy and selflessness. Someone who sets an example, in his thought and action. Then you have a gift to give all you need to choose to use it and believe in the power of your choice.
Find the nemesis that resides in your head that is constantly belittling you, overcome your fear, and don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. Have faith and hope for yourself and give hope to others. That is what will make you a superhero.
Let go of all your limiting beliefs, dare to dream, and soar like the superhero that you were meant to be.
