I know, sounds like a cheesy interview question, but when I came across this question recently in a business book I'm reading, I didn't have a clear answer. So I really wanted to think about it - who are my heroes? Who inspires me?
Without responding a knee-jerk, shallow response, I really wanted to dwell on this one a little for a meaningful answer.
First thing I did, was look up the definition of hero. Interestingly enough - it references a "man" - not a woman - in the actual definition. (Someone certainly needs to fix this)
- a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b : an illustrious warrior c : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d : one who shows great courage
- a : the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work b : the central figure in an event, period, or movement
To choose one hero would be impossible for me - I think I need different heroes for different aspects of my life. My mom would be my family/home hero. To put anyone else in this category would be inaccurate and I'd be unable to really know how the honest truth about how they were at home. I know my mom, and she created the ultimate home/life environment for us as children. She was a teacher, so she had the best of both worlds - working when we were at school, and home when we were home. We always had dinner at the table, grew up in church and celebrated life through birthdays and holidays with lots of extended family members.
I would consider Steve Jobs one of my heroes. Yep, he wasn't a nice guy, but he had a great ideas. And he never, ever took no for an answer. He saw the value in marketing and creative and the power of a good agency. Again, perfection isn't a trait of heroes, so I'm overlooking his inability to interact with people.
Certainly everyone in our military is a hero. They fit the true definition "one who shows great courage". I think anyone fighting a deadly disease is a hero. Several friends and family members have been going through the excruciating, long and tedious fight against cancer. And it's not for the timid. My pastor is a hero - his mission to reach, teach and release is leading thousands to God's word. And I don't know when the man sleeps.
Heroes inspire us and oftentimes are what we aspire to be. They are mostly selfless, concerned about the well-being or benefit of others and put their needs aside. I wish I had that one single person that I aspire to be, but I think my hero would be a mix of several key traits of a group of heroes. Then again, there's nothing wrong with this statement either:
I'm sure I still need to do some work on this, but that's where I am for now.
So, think about it, who's your hero?
Of course you know this made me cry! Thank you! I'm no hero, but glad you think so.
ReplyDeleteHero is a masculine word, which is why it references a male. A female would be a heroine. Drama nerd in me. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heroine But, I get what you're saying. :)
ReplyDeleteSo many heroes! We share some of the same thoughts and heroes. I'd also like to add my husband who has helped me build the life I wanted for our family and the young mothers of today, who try to balance the demands of career and family.Heroes show up when you need them and stay until the job is done. I don't think perfection is essential but intention is necessary. My daughters who are pursuing their dreams are also my heroes. My aunts who offered security and attention during my childhood are on my list. Thanks for sharing this topic and your heroes!
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