“I don’t like perfect heroes; I can’t recognize myself in them. I like flawed heroes, like me. I want to see how they struggle with their flaws and in spite of that manage to slay the dragon.” ― Bangambiki Habyarimana, Book of Wisdom
Heroes captivate our imagination and inspire us to reach for greatness. We idolize superheroes like Superman, Batman, and the Avengers because deep down, we yearn to be like them. We dress up as them on Halloween and gift our children toys that let them embody heroism. But the path to becoming a hero can seem daunting.
Let me share a story about a student named Jim who walked into my gym years ago. He appeared confident and successful, but beneath the surface, he carried a deep fear. Jim doubted his ability to protect himself or others, always questioning if he would have the courage to act in the face of danger. Motivated to change his life, he joined our facility, determined to overcome his fears.
Jim's journey was not easy, but he never gave up. He pushed himself beyond his limits, always giving his all. Slowly, his self-belief started to bloom, and he discovered the hero within himself. Jim shared how he calmly faced a potential attacker in a strange city, confidently asserting that they were making a grave mistake. The would-be assailant backed down and walked away, leaving Jim with newfound confidence and a sense of calm under stress.
So, what changed for Jim? The answer is simple: he embraced the challenge and conquered his fears, one small step at a time. Each training session became an opportunity to prove to himself that he was brave and capable. Gradually, fear dissipated, replaced by self-assurance and the knowledge that he was worth defending.
Numerous studies have shown the power of confidence and a sense of control in one's life. Confidence allows us to navigate challenging situations, including life-threatening ones, with better cognitive abilities and decision-making. When we prepare ourselves mentally and physically, fear loses its grip, enabling us to face adversity head-on.
As an undercover operative, I learned that heroism doesn't require superpowers. It stems from confidence in oneself and the willingness to act in dangerous situations. Jim and I share this common thread. We both needed to trust in our abilities to navigate perilous circumstances.
While most of us may never encounter the extreme dangers I faced, I've witnessed countless ordinary individuals like Jim discover their own heroic potential. They tap into their innate abilities, bolstered by self-belief and preparedness. It is through their stories that I've learned one essential truth:
You have the power to accomplish extraordinary feats and be your own hero every single day.
Joseph Gleed
Co-Founder, CSW
Operation BRAVE ● KO Self-Defense ● Unified Krav Maga