HOW TO BE A HERO
“An independent mindset does more than just enrich your life - it defines it." - JTR
Do you, does anyone, need instructions on how to be a hero? At face value - no. A hero is, after all, commonly perceived as someone carrying out a selfless act of bravery in extreme circumstances. That, or one displaying remarkable courage in the face of personal adversity. Heroes react instinctively to situations forced on them by destiny. As such, the title of hero is an accolade bestowed by others on the unwitting doer of admirable deeds. To be a hero is not a life choice. Or is it?
The preoccupation with victimhood prevalent in sections of society is a negative and destructive trait. Wokeness and identity culture denies the simple reality that humans are both competitive and compassionate. It is these qualities combined which define our species. The calibre of real people is displayed in how they overcome the difficulties of life and help others to overcome them too. I believe this sincerely.
The foundations of sincerity are your authenticity and truthfulness. Without them you are bound to a permanent state of pretending. As such, there is little substance in what you say or do as you don't really believe it. By comparison, people of integrity say what they mean and act as they say. They do not feel pressured by people or situations to put on an act or wear a mask They are direct and purposeful. They are themselves. As such they demand respect. In a society often given to weak will and mediocrity, to be so takes a kind of courage. The kind of courage which can be calculated.
Having the courage to be yourself, to be sincere, allows you to properly integrate socially and be a genuine participant. It brings real intimacy into personal and business relationships, accommodates difficult conversations and sensitive topics. Courageous people tend to be calm and in control in situations, are pragmatic and act dispassionately. They are often self-effacing.
Those possessing such humility find it easier to exercise tolerance with others, their behaviours and beliefs. They can engage more freely and with greater candour. They understand that being patient opens doorways to better understanding and different ways of being. Others are drawn to them; they are esteemed and looked up to. Theirs is an attitude a million miles removed from the willful blindness of victim mentality. Courageous and patient people are heroes because they choose to be!
So, how to be a hero? It doesn't demand that you charge into battle and perform deeds of great valour - although some fine people do just that. Think first of being true to your own spirit. That takes sincerity, patience - and courage! Diligently exercising these qualities in your life, integrating them into the fabric of your being and practicing them with integrity, regardless of obstacles or opposition, is the sure way to have people look up to you as the hero you will have become - especially to yourself!
I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.
* SPECIAL OFFER! - Receive a FREE E-version of my 'Yes You Can!' book! Just CLICK HERE.
Or go to my Amazon store for Paperback and Kindle copies of 'Yes You Can!' - and all of my books and novels - when you Click on the image below.
'HOW TO BE A HERO' is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
I hope you enjoyed this presentation and found it to be of value.
To learn more please visit me on my Author Page.
See you there! Regards, Tom.
Comments
Too many of us seem to be in a "No You CanNot" state of mind, which is not our best choice. "How we feel about ourselves is how others perceive us." We can change by working diligently on exercising courage, sincerity, and patience, which sums it up well. Thank you, Tom.
Yes George, I agree. I've never felt there was anything I couldn't do, I just need to want to do something - and then got on with it. Some things worked out better than others but I never felt that I couldn't do them, success was more down to how much I enjoyed the whatever. Hence the reason to focus on doing the enjoyable. I suspect that you too have experience of all this.
I can relate, confidence can serve us well. And the opportunities that did not work out so well usually taught us more than our successes. You nailed it with the enjoyable factor. It is a blessing that I took for granted, now, thank goodness, I am aware and grateful. Thank you, Tom.
Yes George, stumbling is an essential part of getting up and going forward, the fall is essential to the recovery ... and that, as you so rightly state, is where appreciation, gratitude and the realisation of enjoyment kicks in. I was forever laughing, misbehaving as a kid then, in early adulthood, became more sober as was expected by society. I faltered many times because of that but, fortunately, I realised the error of my ways, reverted to the independent self-determining attitude of my youth, laughed a lot and never looked back!
Personally I prefer learning from the mistakes of others. This isn't always possible. Due to this I have had to learn some from my own mistakes. With my roofing company my choice to sell the business was based on too many people I knew falling off roofs to their death. One common thread was the age of the person falling. I had just hit this age range. In those days you had to get on the roof to measure it. This meant I was on every roof we were called to bid. There are many times doing research helps you learn from the mistakes of others. A few years later I did a few roofs untll I fell 15 ft, thankfully I hit a lower part of the roof and didn't fall the last 11 ft to the ground.
I actually like to hear from some people "no you cannot". It is like, don't tell me I can't because I will use all my effort to prove you wrong.
Another trait we share Dennis! :-) I think George is of a similar ilk too.
I believe all three of us understand that to be successful you must surround yourself with people are are successful. At some point every successful person has dealt with "no you cannot". When I started my online business I was surrounded by naysayers. It amazed me how fast they changed their toon once the currency started coming in. Need is also a good motivator. Although I have always survived in business, life for me has improved by using what I have learned from you and your books.
To the reader, your life is your story. The question, is it fiction? Where others may not see speaking or writing as action, the reality is they are. Just like in life our actions define us. Farmers are my favorite people. They don't have time to be anything other than what they are. Although I am sure there are some dishonest ones I have never met one.
Snap! Me too Dennis.