Of Heroes and Heroines - Even You.
Posted on October 13, 2010 by Jessie Hipolit, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
Heroes are important because the help us see who we are in relation to who we want to become. A hero can be anyone -- even you.
Do you have a hero?
Forget about cartoons, action figures, the postmortem and the really famous. Sure it is nice to have a few names we identify with, but a hero can be anyone, even you. Look around you. Is there anyone you admire? Anyone you trust? Who do you know is doing something meaningful with their life?
Heroes and Heroines are “people who are admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” (Webster).
Heroes are important because the help us see who we are in relation to who we want to become. They are like spotlights on our values and goals — good coaching material!
What makes a hero a hero? How would you define a hero?
Here are some ideas:
• they accomplish extraordinary tasks or deeds
• they exhibit extraordinary character
• they are consistent in character and action over time
What makes an accomplishment extraordinary?
• great odds
• difficult circumstances
• took a big vision
• met a great need
• what else?
What makes for extraordinary character?
• great courage
• commitment to integrity
• high standards
• dedication
• great humility
• determination
• what else?
Why consistency?
Some people do great things, with great results, or great character. But who are they over time? How did their success affect them? Did they get “lucky”? Or, does their accomplishment show true depth of character?
It is easy to be lured by people who are “successful”. But what did it take for them to accomplish what they did? Is this “win” reflective of their life? Consider a quote by Mother Theresa:
“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”
“Small things done with love and faith over time add up to big things. Many character traits contribute to being a person of great character.” Nobody has them all. But we can do this: “Imitate those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises of God.”
~Apostle Paul (Hebrews 6:9-12)
No matter what, many great things are accomplished through faith and patience. The bible account is made up of many stories of heroes and heroines in their own time. Ordinary people who accomplished extra-ordinary things. These people are champions of the faith.
Our character is only part of the equation. God meets us and sets things in motion to complete our great efforts. There is a keen balance between belief and action that is so important.
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”
~ Anatole France
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
— Vincent Van Gogh
Often, if we look deeper, we will find that we too, have accomplished more than we think and invariably had more character than we thought we had. Sometimes we need to pull back, take stock, and retreat, to gain a fresh perspective on who we have become over time.
Part of my coaching approach is to make sure my clients count their wins – big and small, not to puff them up, but to be in awe of themselves. Big difference. It is humbling and fulfilling to look back and see what little ol’ you has been able to accomplish. We take the time to look back, and see your consistent progress over time, and humbly count yourself among your own heroes.
Maybe it is OK to have an ordinary life? That used to make me want to scream and run the other way for fear of boredom and lack of any substantive identity. Now, I am valuing not so much those who have great ideas, but those who have great character and who are consistent, dependable, safe. People who take action from a quiet place of knowing who they are vs. TRYING to become someone. We become through faith and patience, trusting our ordinary actions done with great love, will add up to something big — or not. What is extraordinary, is consistency.
Coaching Practice:
Humility is the grace to be honest. It is judgement free awareness and ownership of our greatness as well as our weakness. We tend to focus on our weakness, so for this practice, focus on your greatness.
What character do you possess?
Take the time to make a list
What deeds, big or small, have you accomplished?
Write why they are meaningful to you?
What have you accomplished that seems to have no meaning?
Write it down anyway.
What consistent action have you taken over time?
Time to take an honest look and own it.
What does this say about what you value?
Write any patterns you observe.
Does this awareness make you a champion in your own eyes?
How does that feel?
Challenge: Become your own hero.
I’d be honored if you would share your fresh perspective with me.
Jessie@MountainViewCoaching.com
