Heroes usually get their power from supernatural aid outside themselves. An enchanted sword, an invisibility cloak, a gift from the gods. Hercules has superhuman strength. Harry Potter can do magic. Neo learns kung fu.
Their power sets them apart from mere mortals. It allows them to do extraordinary things. It allows them to save the world.
But this is a fantasy. No magic will grant you superhuman ability. No fairy godmother is coming to save you or show you the way. And you are not special. Yes, you matter. And so does everyone else. Yes, you’re unique. And so is everyone else.
Your genius is your power. And it is not superhuman. It is not supernatural. It doesn’t set you apart from or above anyone. It may even be the most human thing about you. Unremarkable in the sense that everyone has one. Remarkable in the sense that no one has one quite like you.
Best of all, you don’t have to wait for it. You don’t have to earn it. It’s already there, here right now, waiting to be harnessed. And it’s how you play your part in changing the world.
This is an excerpt from my upcoming book The Antihero’s Journey: From Burnout to Real Contribution in Polycrisis Times. To read other excerpts, go here.
