Victim or a Hero? Time to choose
MARK HODGSON
Executive Coach, Leadership Development, Personal Brand & Career Strategist, Business Advisor, International Keynote Speaker
How’s your year going?
Most people I meet are finding it pretty tough. There are experiencing multiple short term challenges (like inflation, cost-of-living and soaring interest rates).
At a higher level, many come across as a bit lost - uncertain of what the future holds and their place in it.
I believe people fall into two piles.
Pile 1. Victim
This is the, “it’s all shit, not my fault, I am powerless, why doesn’t the Government/management/boss/they/someone do something/do more?” pile. It is for people who expect to be rescued or bailed out.
The plan is no-plan. Just wait, trust to luck and hope it will all be OK in the end somehow.
Pile 2. Hero
‘Hero’ needs explaining. It’s not ‘Hero’ as in capes and superpowers.
It’s Hero as in, ‘you can be a Hero in your life story’. You can take responsibility for being your Heroic best self. For making the most of your talents, resources and opportunities to create a life of meaning and purpose.
One that you can be proud of. One that others will value and respect.
It may sound harsh, but the time for playing the victim is over.
Please do not mishear me. There are many genuine victims of the pandemic (and other things), who should be fully supported.
But that’s not true for most of us. We get to choose to play the Victim or the Hero.
As we get stuck into the middle of this challenging year, it’s time to choose what the rest of 2023 and beyond looks like.
How do you choose?
Victim is easy
Do little or nothing.
Take no responsibility.
Blame everyone and everything else for where you find yourself.
Hero is HARD (but good)
Hero is 100% taking responsibility for your own life.
Set out a plan for where you want to get to.
DO THE WORK to make that a reality.
What does that look like?
It starts with an honest conversation with yourself. How are you currently showing up?
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We all have a bit of ‘Victim’ in us, but has it become your default setting? If ‘yes’, it’s time to take action. Time to take back control of your own life.
That may sound a bit wanky. Or idealistic. Or unobtainable.
“You don’t understand Mark”. As I said, maybe I don’t. Maybe you are a genuine victim. I have several clients who are doing it incredibly tough right now.
They ARE victims of circumstance – but they are not choosing to be ‘Victims’ – instead fighting with every fibre for business survival.
That’s what Hero looks like. And even if they lose everything now, they will win in the long run.
Three ways to unleash your inner Hero
1. Get clear on what you want from your life
Have a (big) plan on where you want to be in 10 years, 5 years, 1 year from now. This will:
2. Do the self-work
The biggest common denominator for the people who I see as being the Heroes in their own life story is that they work on themselves.
That’s about self-awareness, self-discipline, and self-improvement.
It’s a disciplined morning routine and exercising, sleeping, and eating well. It’s about being curious, having a learning habit and always working on some area of your growth.
Doing this gives you the best chance to show up with energy and confidence. It equips you to do the hard yards in your work, whilst also standing out from the crowd. In turn, you are more likely to be noticed, promoted, retained.
There is a clear correlation between the your level of self-work and your success. And self-work starts with YOU.
3. Surround yourself with other Heroes
I’ve no patience for those who choose to be Victims. I recommend you do the same.
Make no mistake. It’s likely you will be in the minority. Many of us live in countries where victimhood is positively encouraged and enabled. But it is no way to live.
Seek out those who also share an abundance mindset. Join communities, listen to podcasts, buddy up with an accountability partner to help keep your personal Hero’s journey on track once the inspiration has expired – as it will.
Like I said. This is HARD.
Hard – but GOOD.
It will change your life. And it’s enjoyable (but never easy).
What are you choosing?
Mark
Need Help getting started?
My Momentum Roadmap gives you a 7 point plan to unlock your heroic best self. Just reply HERO and we’ll send you a complimentary copy.