‹ Back

The Hero: Rising to the Challenge

 

You’re stuck in traffic, late for a meeting, suddenly you spot an opening and can change lanes, saving your morning. Or maybe a project was stalling or worse, spiralling, but suddenly you recall a game-changing strategy you've seen before. Felt heroic, didn’t it? These moments aren’t just lucky breaks—they fuel your energy as the hero of your story. Last time, we named the villains—those forces like deadlines, doubt, or draining routines blocking your path. Now, it’s time to claim your starring role. This trilogy, sparked by my mentor’s wisdom about “heroes and villains,” is about rewriting your narrative. He saw heroes as those who step up, acting despite obstacles. With StoryBrand’s lens, I realized: you’re the hero, the action-taker chasing your goals, but don't forget, you're also laying the groundwork to guide others. First, though, let’s discover the hero you’re becoming.

 

What Makes a Hero?

Being a hero isn’t about capes or grand gestures—it’s about choosing to act, even when villains like self-doubt or a toxic colleague loom large. You’ve defined your goals—maybe a promotion, a creative passion, or just a day with more peace. My mentor showed me this in action. Battling relentless deadlines and vocal critics, he didn’t just survive—he acted, refining his work and pushing forward. In our “heroes and villains” talk, I thought of him as the hero because he chose to move toward his aim: impact. StoryBrand frames it this way: you’re the protagonist, like Frodo carrying the Ring or Luke Skywalker facing the Empire. Your power lies in agency—deciding to act, whether it’s tackling a task or silencing that inner critic. What goal are you chasing today, and what’s one step you can take?

 

"Hero Muscles"

Heroes grow through challenges, not around them. Think of villains as your gym equipment, building what we can call “hero muscles”—grit, patience, wisdom. Every time you face a villain, you have the potential to get stronger. Redirect a harsh critique into better work? That’s grit. Break a looming deadline into manageable steps? That’s wisdom. I saw this when my mentor turned an incoming wave of doubt into fuel, asking himself, “What’s this teaching me?” Each villain named in the last article—time, fear, monotony—is a chance to grow. Challenges forge us through contrast, revealing who we can become. Reflect: what’s a recent obstacle you faced? Did it leave you weaker or stronger?  In the short term obstacles can be exhausting, but have they strengthened your hero muscles? Your hero muscles are already at work.

 

Two Ways to Be a Hero

You’re built for two kinds of heroism, and both matter:

• Small, Instinctive Acts: These are quick, simple choices to make a difference. Help a struggling teammate with a tip, offer a kind word to a stressed colleague, or pause to refocus when doubt creeps in. These acts don’t need planning—just your decision to step up.
• Bigger Impact: This is about pursuing meaningful goals, like leading a project or chasing a passion. It takes trust and persistence, like my mentor earning his team’s confidence by listening before leading. Beyond your goals, your actions—big or small—plant seeds to guide others.

 

Try this today: Spot one opportunity to act, like sending an overdue email or encouraging a coworker. Notice how it feels. Notice the response. These moments create ripples, perhaps inspiring courage in others, just as Luke’s rebellion sparked hope in Star Wars.

 

Why Actions Matter

Heroes you meet—a mentor’s advice, a colleague’s tip, even a time-saving app—mirror what you can become: calmer, sharper, bolder. Facing villains clarifies your true goals. That deadline isn’t just about finishing—it’s about excellence. That doubt isn’t just fear—it’s a sign you’re stretching beyond your current limitations and toward growth. When we face a villain, we can shift from a mindset of “get it done” to something more meaningful -- “make it matter.” What’s your real goal—success, connection, joy? The villains you’ve named are pointing you there -- they won't line up where they're not expecting to find you! But here are the stakes: villains love the spotlight, tempting you to freeze or  walk away. Make the journey worthwhile by taking action.

 

Your Next Step

You're on a journey, to be sure, but so is everyone around you. This journey isn’t about going it alone. In our next article, we’ll explore how to become a guide and amplify your impact. For now, embrace your role as a hero.  Take this action today: Write down one goal (big or small) and one specific step toward it, like drafting a proposal or taking 5 minutes to plan your day. Then, tackle it or help someone else face their challenge. That’s your heroic spark.

 

Your story’s unfolding and you’re not just surviving villains—you’re rising to meet them. Keep acting, keep growing, and watch how your choices shape the hero you're becoming.