Mission-Driven Leaders Are Modern-Day Heroes

And Why It Helps to Think That Way

If you lead good change in our fast-changing world, it helps to recognize that you are doing the work of a modern-day hero. 

And if you’re thinking, well, that’s a giant leap, it’s all the more critical.

Heroism—far from being just the stuff of Greek myths and superhero flicks—is about living a life of courage, altruism, and integrity. That means striving to go beyond fear, acting in the best interest of others, and having a moral center. 

Sound like you or the you that you aspire to be? 

It certainly sounds like many of the mission-driven leaders I have met: countless good people working in corporations, nonprofits, foundations, schools, communities, and elsewhere. 

I believe our world needs you—of course! But it also needs to know about and support you.

After all, we live in a time that demands heroic leaders, inspiring role models, and creative problem-solvers in every walk of life. How else will we rise to today’s numerous crises, changes, and uncertainties?

Yet many people today are overwhelmed, disengaged, worried, anxious, frustrated, cynical, and burned out. They lack a vision of a hopeful future and the confidence that they can do much to bring it about. 

These negative mindsets are obstacles to the problem-solving we urgently need. They also create more problems by leading to declines in productivity, innovation, and resilience. 

Having a heroic identity—or, if you wish, what Stanford University Professor Philip Zimbardo and others refer to as the identity of an “ordinary hero”— helps people transcend those negative mindsets. 

It’s a small shift that is in our power to make that can have a mighty impact. 

Research shows that developing a heroic identity can positively influence self-efficacy, altruistic behavior, resilience, social change, and other people’s attitudes and actions.  

A 2023 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology also found that viewing your life as a hero’s journey can help you create a meaningful life.

So, why not apply the wisdom of the ages to modern-day challenges?

If you want to learn more about my “B-Heroic: Developing a Success Mindset for a Changing World” coaching or workshops, please message me or book a free Discovery Call. I’d love to chat. In the comments below, I’d also love to hear who you admire as a heroic leader today.