Being a hero is hard work – as demonstrated by the many superhero movies that have been so popular in recent years. No matter if you can fly, have super strength, can climb walls or summon lighting, you still have to overcome so much to help the world around you. Of course, all those superpowers are wishful thinking. They are fantasy. What about real life, where no one has superpowers? Is it even possible to be a hero?
The answer is definitely “Yes!” There are countless people who strive everyday to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and none of them have superpowers. They just commit themselves to achieving the unachievable, because they believe it is necessary and right to do so.
WE NEED MORE HEROES – SACRIFICE AND MEANINGFUL WORK
There is no shortage of need in the world. The people who go to work everyday to meet that need face a constant uphill battle. They are the true heroes. Few movies will be made about them, but the people they help have no doubts about their heroism.
There are a number of things that make these hardworking individuals heroes, including:
1. THEY VALUE MEANING AND A GREATER PURPOSE.
Meaningful workers don’t always get the recognition they deserve, which is not surprising. Most organizations that serve others are federally regulated and may find it challenging to cover the costs of the work they do. That means that most people working in these industries are willing to sacrifice higher pay for important work. Such sacrifice is one of the main elements of being a hero. You give up something to help someone else.
2. THEY BELIEVE STRONGLY ENOUGH TO KEEP WORKING IN SPITE OF THE DIFFICULTIES.
Belief is another big part of being a hero. Heroes believe in ideals so strongly that they are willing to keep fighting for them even when it seems hopeless. You only need to look at the world around you to see how impossible it would be to help everyone. But does that mean you shouldn’t try? Of course not. A hero does not let the immensity of the task intimidate him or her. In fact, a hero often uses the massive obstacles as fuel for motivation.
3. THEY HAVE A SENSE OF PURPOSE.
Everyone can benefit from having a sense of purpose. But heroes who work in challenging industries that help others build their lives around their purpose. It is not a side interest or a hobby. It is a full-time career. In spite of the difficulties and the disadvantages that come from such a choice, these heroes keep driving ahead. What people without strong purpose don’t realize is what a source of strength purpose can be. Yes, the work is hard. But the sense of purpose makes it possible to keep going.
4. THEY WORK HARDER AND LONGER THAN OTHERS.
The sacrifices these heroes make involve more than time and energy. Working at a job that really helps others often means putting in long hours and doing hard work. It can be surprising to learn the extent of the tasks that these individuals take on. They are expected to work diligently and with focus in difficult circumstances. The work they do can seem pointless from close up because the progress is impossible to see. But these workers continue to work and do what needs doing with faith that in the end, progress will be made. And any progress towards their goal is worth all the effort they put in.
5. THEY DON’T QUIT.
Every hero encounters a situation where everything seems hopeless. They try and fail. They are defeated. They seriously consider giving up, but they don’t give up. It is part of what makes them a hero.
The challenges real-world heroes face are just as overwhelming as those faced by superheroes on-screen. Real-world heroes start out with dedication and determination, but they inevitably find themselves in a situation that they cannot win. That is just how the world works. But, just like on-screen superheroes, the real heroes don’t quit. They believe strongly enough in what they are doing that they are unwilling to stop doing it – no matter how hard things get.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
Do you want to help? Do you have these 5 hero-like qualities? We need more heroes. If you are looking for meaningful work, click here to learn more.