Many of us were packed into the cinema to watch Avengers End Game, back in April 2019. It represented a journey of some 8 years from Captain America in 2011 through to the epic conclusion of the Thanos era. An incredible, cinematic blockbuster, it brought in close to $3B.
The hardest part for the MCU was the daunting task of then following such a cinematic high. In reality, since the zenith of their superhero movies, the franchise has stalled somewhat. Even Rivals, DC, have failed to follow their three-movie run of Batman and Christopher Nolan, with maybe Man Of Steel being an exception.
It is fair to say that we are entering a world of the post-superhero movie and while the world waits for a return to form, the superhero genre has lost its sparkle. Capes might as well be hung up on hooks as our favourite genre of go-to escapism no longer satisfies.
The thing with superhero movies is that, from the MCU or DC, they seem to represent a wider challenge that society faces: there are no heroes left! Standing for something has become a rarity and now, more than ever, we are encouraged to hide and blend in.
Our world would rather play the game of picking sides and demonising the loser. This means that less and less people are inclined to stand for anything.
2024 represents a year where both the US and the UK will have to go to the polls and pick our country’s premier. Four names, two contests: Trump vs Biden and Sunak vs Starmer. I can honestly say I’m grateful not to be stood in their shoes, however, I’m asking myself, where are the heroic qualities that they should be inspiring a generation with? Apart, of course, from having the courage to stand up and lead in the first place.
Sport, the other great arena of champions has seen its reputation for honesty, integrity and heroism bought into question more than ever before. From Formula 1 to Premier League, we hear allegations of corruption and we can no longer trust in fair play. We hear that Red Bull broke budgets because too many sandwiches were consumed. Really? Then Man City have spent more on lawyers than they have on players to avoid the 115 charges!
Where are the heroes these days? Role models are getting harder to find. Whether it’s in the police, in the church, or business, we have seen a proliferation of miscreants who have more in common with the Joker, the Riddler and the Penguin than Superman or Batman.
The answer to the hero question might be closer than you think! Where are the heroes? Stop and look in the mirror. The hero is YOU.
But, I don’t look like a hero! Wait a minute! Just because you don’t wear a cape doesn’t mean you are an impostor. For most heroes, the greatest struggle starts with not believing in your press and refusing to major in your shortcomings.
So how do you become more heroic?
ONE:
Play to your strengths.
Seriously, too much time is spent on weaknesses. Stop. What are you good at? There is something that comes naturally to you. Play to that. I dare you to build a life around it. Stop apologizing for winning and embrace your superpower.
Too many people feel winning unsettles others. The point is YOU can WIN and not feel guilty. Allow yourself to win in your field (be purposeful). Just stop apologizing and lean into it.
There is space for you to win and others to do the same. A participation trophy will never give you the same satisfaction, and you do yourself a disservice when you are less than who you’re supposed to be.
TWO:
Find your support team.
Batman has Alfred, Commissioner Gordon and Robin, Iron Man has Jarvis and Pepper Potts, and when it comes to saving the universe, there’s the Justice League or Avengers.
As you play to your strengths, others can cover your weaknesses. Not all superheroes fly, have X-ray vision or have speed. Others have the skills that will complement yours.
That is why being connected is one of the ‘super skills’ of any hero. No one superhero can do it all and you have to recognize the same can be said for you.
Learning to operate you is a lifesaver for you and for the people you serve.
THREE:
Your cause is more than fighting enemies.
Often superhero movies seem to overlook this fact as it appears the primary reason for existing is to fight the bad guy or girl. However, they should have a greater cause that they would continue to fight for, even with zero opposition. The cause has to be greater than just smashing baddies with a hammer.
It could be educating people to be better versions of themselves or transforming communities. There will always be people who like it the old way – such as drug dealers who prey on those with no hope.
If you had no opposition, what would you get done? How would you help those you care about? What impact would you love to have? These are key questions that we overlook when we get so caught up in fighting that we forget what we are truly fighting for!
FOUR:
Always raise others
The best superheroes recognize that age catches up with them. In some cases, it takes hundreds of years, but at some point, the hero will want to retire and pass the baton on.
In the Christopher Nolan films, we see Robin taking over, Captain America deciding to head back in time to be with the love of his life Peggy (Agent Carter) and Falcon about to pass on the baton in a TV movie.
If you want to build a purposeful business for the long-term, raising other people to take your place is of paramount importance. For me, I have thoroughly enjoyed raising a core team and then watching them do the same.
Leadership has to be modelled and it’s a true sign of successful ‘hero behaviour’ when your leaders are creating other leaders.
For me, not everyone stays for the entire duration of the adventure. They will find adventures of their own, but they may well remain connected for bigger battles ahead.
Superheroes don’t reside solely in comics or on the silver screen, they are to be encountered in REAL life. We need them and you too can be one of them. The world is waiting for you to embrace your quest.
Your quest is rooted in your purpose and you can embrace all it has for you. 2024 isn’t the year to draw back, it’s the year to excel and not listen to the voice that says “You can’t.” It’s time to take umbrage against anything telling you that you can’t be the very best version of yourself.
Purpose starts with you and purposeful business starts with a Purpose Playbook. If you are brave enough to take the first step – let’s talk…
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