How to Find the Superhero In You, Part One

When you think of a superhero, what or who comes to mind? Superman? Spider-Man? Batman? Wonder Woman?  We love superhero movies in our home (some more than others) but it got me thinking. What do they all have in common?  I notice that they have an alter ego. If you are a fan, it will come as no surprise that they are fighting for the greater good and have some personal demons or challenges to overcome along the way.  How are they any different then to you or me?  Most people are interested in a greater good - for ourselves, our career, loved ones, the community or the world. In addition, most people live, perhaps some of the time, with personal or workplace demons and have challenges they would love to overcome. I, myself, have overcome challenges that have spring boarded me then to a better life. Furthermore, I am familiar with people from directors to lawyers and beyond where, together, we have successfully addressed these with conversations, techniques and tools that aid progress through the next challenge.

For some, despite feeling stuck and the desire to push ahead for a better life, moving forward appears, or feels, hard. For me, knowing that we are all human, that's ok. However, what can we learn from superheroes? When I consider the superheroes I know of, he or she pushes through, working relentlessly to find a way. There are setbacks, the character is de-railed but, ultimately, gets back on track. I am drawn into the superhero’s drive and commitment for the greater good. This then leads me to ask "where is the superhero’s focus?"  Ok, so real life is not like the movies but what can we take from this? The superhero believes in him or herself. If not immediately, certainly soon into the movie. If you have watched Superman the Homecoming, it is evident that Peter Parker, for all his quirkiness, reaches that point of trusting a significantly higher belief in himself as a superhero. Wearing that mask, believing in himself as Spiderman, allows him to achieve amazing things. In time, there is acceptance of the human being that he is too – including his imperfections. His focus is not on these though, it's on what he is capable of. His potential.

We do not all have a costume or mask to wear, although one could argue some masks are worn some of the time (that’s another article!). But, importantly, we are capable of being our own hero, master of our life and career, our business, relationships and more. Just as we are all able to if we choose, Peter Parker was also able to learn about balance – he is only human after all. We are more than what we do day to day, getting on with daily life. We cruise, thinking we are alive, alert, actively contributing. The problem is that there is more under the surface that we have somehow left behind, there is more to us that is in a bit of a sleep state. We all have unexplored potential that we are missing out on.  It’s time to unleash it and truly live.   Discover the hero in you.  Part two coming very soon. 

I'm Anita Gohil-Thorp. As a former lawyer working the long hours of the corporate world, I have experienced stress and challenges yet learnt to manage these effectively. My own personal health has also led me to develop resilience on several levels. I now help others to thrive towards their full potential, success and well-being. What's your current challenge? I'm here to help you or your organisation.