“I’m the hero!”
-America, Axis Powers Hetalia

Here’s an exercise that can help motivate you. 

Make a list of your heroes.  They can be people you know, historical figures, fictional characters…  Anyone you want; it’s your list.

Next to each person’s name, write down why you think they are awesome.  Are they tenacious types who never back down?  Do they handle setbacks with grace and poise?  Did they come up with something brilliant because they had the brains and courage to question anything and everything?  Write it down.

Now there’s two things to do with this list.

One, check if there’s a pattern about the people you choose to admire, or the traits you admire them for.  That should give you some insight as to your personal values.  Maybe there’s something in there you hadn’t noticed before.

Two, plan to take on those traits yourself.  Every day, do something that builds towards one of those characteristics.  For example, if you admire someone for their adventurousness, then challenge yourself to venture outside your comfort zone.  Dive into that novel you’ve been nervous about committing to writing.  Take up a real sport if your sporting ability is limited to those versions which require a Wii remote.  Challenge yourself. 

Role models aren’t for copying, they’re for inspiring you.  You don’t have to do what they did, but you should aim to be like them in terms of the qualities that make them stand out to you in the first place.  Often, what you admire in others is a reflection of what you want to see in yourself.  Little by little, become your own hero.

-Tamara Hecht