What Does it Mean to be a Hero?

The word hero means many things to many people. When we were children a hero could have been those you saw on television with supernatural power (or really cool gadgets). Always saving the day, they encourage us to strive to be better than we are.

But what about real heroes? If you had to give the meaning or example of a hero without using a fictional character. What/who would you say is an example?

The Difference Between a Hero and a Champion

These two words are most often used interchangeably, but I’ve found that there is a very real difference to them.

A champion is someone who had become the best at something, using their skills and talents to defeat their opponents, stating that they are the best. A hero, on the other hand, is someone who is admired for their courage and bravery in times of trouble.

The Qualities of a Hero is Someone Who…

• Loves others more than themselves
• Believes in something so deeply, they will do what it takes to live up to that belief
• Sacrifices themselves for that belief
• Listens to others and encourages them, even though they have their own pain and grief
• Remains humble throughout it all

What It Takes…

To be a hero in the eyes of others as well as yourself, it takes a lot. A lot of qualities, a lot of skills, just a lot! Below is a list of some traits and skills one must have to be a hero. (Or at least strive to achieve)

• Courage
• Dedication
• Bravery
• Selflessness
• Belief
• Sacrifice
• Serve Others
• Take Risks
• Determination
• Motivation
• Love

Why We Need Heroes

As we’ve seen in TV, movies and even in real life, we need hero’s to encourage us to be stronger, to be there when we need them, to understand there are times we just need them around, not talking, not words, just their presence.

We, as humans, look to those we see as heroes for inspiration, admiration, and a picture of strength in our darkest moments.

That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done, and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed without a doubt, a real superhero

~ Stan Lee

Where We Can Find Heroes

Oh my goodness, why would I put this in here if we all know where we can find heroes? Well, you may be surprised by my next few words. Or perhaps you will be expecting them:

You can find them everywhere!

I bet when I put that subtitle in there, the first thing that came to your mind was the newest Marvel Movie with all of its superheroes lined up to fight for the thousands of people within a city or the entire word.

Or perhaps you thought of The Lord of The Rings, where you have a ragtag group of beings that are destined for the same goal, but only two make it to the final destination. (Not saying that didn’t have help with a diversion, they were the only two who mad it to Mount Doom with the ring)

Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.

~ Galadriel – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Where Are They Hiding?

Stories are build on heroes. They thrive on the the characters overcoming all odds to come out on top, to achieve their goal, to gain the object that has been their obsession for the last 200 or so pages.

Each and every movie, TV show, novel, short story, etc has a hero. The characters may not seem like your typical hero, but they are one, nonetheless. They are determined, even when things are dire and they feel there is no way forward. They strive to help others for the sake of providing a needed service, they listen and provide encouragement even when they themselves are in need of the same encouragement and they remain humble through it all.

You know what else, we have heroes in reality as well. Yeah, I know. Of course, we do. We see them on TV saving animals who’ve fallen into holes or a child in need of medical attention, I’m not bashing those in any way. I recognize a hero when I see one, but when you really look at your life, do you see any that are closer to home?

Is there anyone around you that makes a difference to your life, right now? I bet you can name a few. They are there for you when you need it, giving you advice, help, a listening ear, and more. Here’s another but… do you know what they are going through right now? Those people are the real heroes.

Even though they have problems, issues, struggles and hardship; they make sure they are there when someone needs them, like you. It’s not the talents (or superpowers) you have that matter, it’s how you choose to use your talents that make you a real hero. Each and every one of us has a hero waiting to be set free.

How You Can Work to be a Hero

Though not everyone will gain the recognition of a hero, you can do small things that make you a hero in training or even a hero to yourself.

Let me explain: Because I’m not one to lead you into thinking you’ll never be a recognized hero to a whole town or city, I want you to think of this as a small step toward your goal. And who’s to say you aren’t already someone’s hero right now. It’s a nice thing to think about, isn’t it? Well let’s get started…

Be Your Own Hero

• Everyone has things they hate to do, right? Talking on the phone, gardening, exercise, etc. Choose one of those things you hate to do and do one each day.
• Work toward a goal. Like the stories you read, every hero has an internal and external goal. Discover what yours are and strive to achieve them.
• Each of us has those bad habits we love to hate. Try each day to break that habit and make yourself a better person for breaking that habit.
• Choose to live like a hero each and every day, exemplifying the traits and qualities mentioned above.
• Find what fills your spirit to it’s fullest and do it.

Be Someone Else’s Hero

• Do what you can to help others without expectation
• Strive to be the change you want to see in the world around you. If you change, you’ll encourage others to do the same.
• Strive to be the change you want to see in the world around you. If you change, you’ll encourage others to do the same.
• Strive to perform random acts of kindness – you never know how important that one act can be to the right person at the right time.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be super to be a hero, you just have to be you.