Last week I read a fascinating chapter by Spencer Horn on his philosophy of taking responsibility for our own actions. The chapter was included in a book entitled Speakers on Life which also included Jack Canfield and others.
As I read it, I realized this was the difference between the average person and the hero in a book.
The average person may lament over current struggles or circumstances. They might try to figure out where things went wrong - whether it's a relationship, health, work conditions, home environment, volunteer activities, car problems, or a myriad of other things that tend to go wrong.
But the hero of a book never looks back. They don't take the time to analyze. They don't point fingers at other people and try to fix the blame on anyone other than themselves. They don't claim the Victim Mantle.
The hero acknowledges there's a problem; he or she doesn't attempt to stick their head in the sand. They also take responsibility for their own actions and admit when they've said or done the wrong thing.
Once they have acknowledged the problem and taken responsibility, they look at ways to make things right. They take action. Instead of wasting their energy agonizing over their circumstances, they move on. They look at the cards that Life has dealt them and they determine to make the best of things with what they've got.
They may not always be right. Their efforts don't always succeed. But they keep moving. They keep trying. They don't give up.
What else makes a hero?
And if you're interested in reading this wonderful article by Spencer Horn, follow him on Twitter @SpencerHorn and he'll send you the free eBook!
