Is it Superman? Underdog? Maybe it’s Evan’s favorite, Captain Underpants? While we typically think of action heroes that are larger than life, I would challenge you to think of someone in your life that you truly admire. Take a minute and think about it. Who is your superhero? (It’s ok, I’ll wait).
Ok, do you have someone in mind? Now, I want you to write down 5 things they do which exemplify the type of person you want to be. For example, do they choose to do the right thing, even if no one is looking? Do they act with integrity? Are they positive, upbeat, inspiring? Maybe it’s on a much smaller level, like they are a great tipper at restaurants, have great taste, or spend lots of quality time with their kids. What makes them your hero?
Some subscribe to this as a religious philosophy (WWJD?), while others would prefer to model the behavior of a celebrity or someone closer to home. However you want to do it, it’s time to act like the kind of person you want to be.
I have to admit, I got pretty lucky in the husband department – the second time. Apparently practice makes perfect! Whenever I’m involved in a difficult conversation, I find myself asking “What would Jay do?” (I guess the WWJD bracelet would still work!) He’s the consummate communicator and great at resolving conflict. When I’m stuck and don’t know the best way to handle a difficult conversation, I imagine how he would handle it and do that.
I have lots of superheroes, and I ask myself how many of them would handle a variety of situations. To live up to our incredible potential, we have to keep stretching out of our comfort zone. Are you acting like the kind of person you want to be?
Funny… I used to ask myself the same thing…”What would Jay do?” And then it hit me; he would steal the second half of my peanut butter and jelly and finish my iced tea behind my back — then convince me I had finished both of them. I guess at some point he went from super villian to super hero somewhere between 10 and 40 yrs old. 🙂 But honestly, I love the heck out of my brother and have looked up to him for years. He’s one of my heroes, too.
Ha! He hasn’t changed much…does the same thing to me 😉
I’ve been in situations for work, whether on a sales call or networking event, and think of my mom and her what do you have to lose attitude and put on a smile and just go, knowing that sure we all want to succeed in work but it’s not the end all be all of life. I’ve told her this and that I often “channel” her because if someone inspires us, shouldn’t they know?
That’s awesome. Way to go mom!