Discover the Daily Hero Within You—The Traits of an Everyday Hero That Everyone Needs to Know © 2014 Timothy Jorgensen. All Rights Reserved.

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1. Daily Heroes Are Ordinary People Who Have One Special Ability

2. Adversity Will Cause A Hero To Rise Up

3. Values Cause A Hero To Bypass All Fear

4. A Hero Is Prepared To Act

5. A Hero Will Rise Up Against Problems Everyone Else Accepts

6. A Hero Will Sacrifice Themselves For The Sake Of Others

7. Everyday Heroes

-- Measure Your Hero Potential test --

- about the Author -

Chapter 1

Daily Heroes Are Ordinary People

Who Have One Special Ability

When I was a boy, I always saw myself as a hero in comic books and in movies. I grew up believing this dream.

-Elvis Presley Even though we consider heroes to be the superhuman and extraordinary, the truth is that there are Clark Kents and Peter Parkers around us every day—and more importantly-within us.

They were not born on Krypton or bitten by radioactive spiders with superhuman abilities. They eat, sleep, make a living and have flaws just like me and you. It doesn’t matter their age, their race or their gender. The difference is that they have made some subtle but important shifts in their mindset.

We must understand that to discover the hero within does not begin in the body or the environment, but it begins in the mind. What a person believes about themselves, about other people and about their daily situations will be the true catalyst for saving the day. A catalyst is defined as “an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action”. This handbook’s purpose is to infuse that catalyst into your life. You will then change your belief system so you can ‘save the day’ for someone around you.

While the world looks for heroes to arise, our potential is waiting on what we believe to be adjusted so we can meet the needs of humanity.

The ability to believe is crucial. To believe is to have a confidence in something beyond what our natural eye sees. It is interesting that the Bible says that faith is more precious than gold, and I believe one reason is that if we can believe the right things, we can find the ‘gold’ in the situations around us -no matter how ‘ordinary’ our lives seem to be to others. Heroes are ordinary people with a great capacity to believe, even when others don't.

It is an interesting common characteristic of heroes throughout the ages, is that they seem to have a humility about them. Not that they didn’t do anything great, but they honestly considered that anyone could have done what they did. They really believe this. That realization causes them to be grateful for the opportunity to reveal how they could help make a difference, and be able to be an example for others. Heroes may look ordinary and feel what they did should be ordinary, but it is what they believe that is extraordinary.

Chapter 2

Adversity Will Cause A Hero To Rise Up

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

If there was no gravity, superman’s cape (aka-ability to fly) would be irrelevant. Adversity is a key proving ground of what is inside a person.

Not everyone is prepared to meet the challenges of adversity. A hero is one who can face those challenges-not merely for themselves, but for the sake of others.

The hero in the making can see the problems that others see, but the key is that the hero sees more than that. The hero sees a hope that things can change for the better, that the person in distress can be saved, and that they can do something that will ultimately make a difference.

The amazing thing is that these decisions can be made in a split second! This means that this positive mindset is a heroes ‘modus operandi’. Now, this does not mean that the problem is resolved immediately, but this continues to demonstrate a hero’s ability to hold their ground in the midst of these tough circumstances. And again, the hero continues to believe that they will see the positive change they were hoping to see.

Adversity can come from circumstances, enemies, or even family and friends. But it doesn’t matter where the adversity comes from, it is recognized as such by the hero and faced with confidence for a positive outcome. Adversity will always cause a hero to rise up-because the hero believes they will overcome the challenge, and the challenge is worth overcoming.

Chapter 3

Values Cause A Hero To Bypass All Fear

Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.

-C.S. Lewis

As mentioned before, a unique characteristic of heroes is that they don’t think that what they did was unusually heroic, and usually deflect any praise given to them for what they did. Why is that? Aside from the first reason that they felt anyone could have done it, there is another compelling reason: They did what they did out of a sense of duty.

They say things like “I am not a hero, I simply did what was my duty to do.” Their sense of values put them in a position where NOT to act would have been unthinkable. These values compelled them to take responsibility for the situation. These values gave them no other option because they would not have been able to live with their conscience otherwise. Really, it is not that they have values, it is the values that have them. They don’t even see what they do as unusual, but a natural reaction because of the values that hold them.

This seems extreme and controlling to put it in this way, but this sense of values is what causes a hero to ignore the fear that inhibits others from doing the same thing, and rather they focus on the responsibility that they feel they have to act.

What are these values? Often they are centered on the need to protect or defend those who cannot protect or defend themselves. Other values that compel heroism are values such as loyalty, bravery, generosity, compassion, perseverance, determination, dedication, justice, and mercy-and the list goes on.

Again, these values are topics we are all familiar with, but to the hero, they take these values to heart. These values are forged into their way of thinking and believing. It is their lifeblood. These branded values are why they can act quickly while others are considering many other factors. In the moment of need, that ingrained value propels them to blast through any obstacle that stands in the way of fulfilling that value, and transform that negative situation into a positive one.

It takes time, discipline and constant reinforcement of these values to make them become part of our lives this way, but the payoff is that when the time to make a heroic decision is upon us, we won’t really have to struggle with what choice to make—our values will make the decision for us.

To find out more about these kinds of values, and stories to go along with them, visit www.values.com

Chapter 4

A Hero Is Prepared To Act

An invincible determination can accomplish almost anything and in this lies the great distinction between great men and little men.

-Thomas Fuller

A very important ingredient to every hero is that they are prepared to act. In our busy lives it is all too easy to make excuses NOT to act. The hero makes themselves available, because their values force time in their schedule to make a difference in other’s lives. They never know when their opportunity will come so they live by the Boy Scouts motto to always ‘Be Prepared’.

Preparation comes in many forms, but anyone who wants to make a difference knows that they must keep themselves strong and disciplined enough to be able to have a reserve to help others with.

For this reason, physical exercise is actually a good way that someone can prepare themselves. Why is this? Exercise and personal fitness have many repercussions that carry over into being prepared to act. It puts regular discipline into a person’s life-to overcome obstacles, to push past discomfort in order to achieve a goal. It also builds up reserves of energy and helps clarify one’s mind and emotional state. Not every hero is a pinnacle of fitness, but the person who takes time for this, will put themselves in the best state to be ready to act. The hero realizes that they build up strength not just for themselves, but to share with others in their time of need.

But strength to help is not just physical. Sometimes opportunities to help will require the skill to solve the need of the hour. A hero develops skills that will make a difference, and is prepared to use them.

For this reason, constant self-improvement, and self-development is important to a hero’s ability to be ready to make a difference in an increasing number of circumstances.

Chapter 5

A Hero Will Rise Up Against Problems Everyone Else Accepts

A hero is someone who, in spite of weakness, doubt or not always knowing the answers, goes ahead and overcomes anyway.

-Christopher Reeve

A hero can be discovered in the midst of a sudden crisis, or developed during a long-standing problem. But often it can be chronic issues that need the greatest action. Truly, some heroes are twenty years in the making! But once again, a hero’s values are so engrained within, that he or she will take and apply them to new arenas that need more change and freedom. Even if others cannot see the need for the solution. While everyone else accepts the status quo, the hero is both the innovator and the inspiration for the necessary change.

They might not even know all the answers, but they believe the answers exist. They see the difficulty, but have an undeniable hope that there will be a positive outcome. This hope causes them to take on both sudden crises and/or long-term challenges with a sense of optimism. And this optimism is so necessary to ultimately inspire and bring others alongside them in striving for a solution.

Chapter 6

A Hero Will Sacrifice Themselves For The Sake Of Others

What is a hero without love for mankind?

-Doris Lessing

Heroes do not exist in a solitary deserted island or a vacuum. Heroes are required to care for people in need in order to be revealed. Yes, sometimes they seem to be tough, but at the core, they have a strong sense of compassion and caring within them for those in need.

A tender heart is not a weakness, but a motivation to act, to help, to solve a problem. Sometimes their care for others goes so far as to hazard their own safety and well-being in order that others may benefit. A hero understands that it can carry a personal cost to do what is necessary to help in someone else’s moment of need-but that cost is secondary.

But the toughest sacrifice is when the care and concern is not reciprocated or appreciated by the person or people who are helped. This is where the hero’s motives are truly uncovered, whether the act was done for the reward, or for the sake of the values that are branded into the hero’s life. If it is the latter, then regardless of any reward, the hero continues to make the sacrifice to make a difference, knowing within themselves that they did what they did for the right reasons.

Chapter 7

Everyday Heroes

One man with courage is a majority.

-Thomas Jefferson We believe that every day we can make choices that are heroic. Whatever your situation in life may be, you can be an answer to someone’s problem today.

Sometimes we look for the big opportunities-when all around us are small opportunities that will make a big difference in someone else’s heart and life. Too often we discount the power of a kind word or a helping hand because it seems so small, insignificant or simple. But we need to remember that those little things add up, and set us up for the big things, and the big opportunities. Every day is a day to both train as well as put into practice our unique opportunities for heroism. This applies to Moms, Dads, siblings, coworkers, employers, friends and neighbors.

Find an opportunity, take responsibility, give your energy, and demonstrate your skill in a sacrificial way for the sake of others and the values that make the world a better place.

Heroism is not just an act, but a consistent lifestyle of brave choices. This will cause the people around you to count on you to do the right thing. Yes, it will be tough to daily be prepared to make sacrifices. And always remember that it is not in your job description to be trampled on, but to demonstrate principled efforts with a sense of honor and dignity that lifts others up, not merely puts yourself down.

In the end, you want to be able to inspire others to greatness. So even when the sacrifices are tough, believe this will happen. That is when you don’t just leave a single story, but a legacy. See, deep down, everyone wants you to rise up and be the hero. This story has been played out throughout the ages. Because everyone knows that if you can do it, they know they can do it too. And the story can continue on...

Measure Your Hero Potential

Answer each on a six-point scale, with 1 being 'strongly disagree' and 6 being 'strongly agree'.

 I often have tender, concerned feelings for people less fortunate than me.

 Fear does not keep me from pursuing my goals.

 I try to understand my friends better by imagining how things look from their perspective.

 Despite numerous setbacks, I usually succeed at getting what I want.

 Fear does not stop me from doing the right thing.

 I want to be competent, and I believe I can be.

 Being truthful is extremely important to me.

Gauging results: Heroism is linked to traits such as bravery, empathy, hopefulness, and coping ability. The higher your score, the more heroic you are likely to be in an emergency. This chart is based on scales used by researchers. You can use this scale as a actionable list to increase your 'heroic readiness.' Personal lifestyle change always begins with an attitude change!

Source: Wall Street Journal-Aug. 22, 2012. "Are you a Hero or a Bystander?"

About the author:

Timothy Jorgensen writes and speaks internationally with a focus on inspiration and building faith in all ages and backgrounds. He has spent years teaching in the US, New Zealand, Indonesia, Nepal and Malaysia. Tim and his wife Rina have two sons and currently reside in Madison, Wisconsin.

To obtain more inspirational and life-changing books that he has written, please visit his Amazon Author page HERE.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Daily Heroes Are Ordinary People Who Have One Special Ability

Chapter 2 Adversity Will Cause A Hero To Rise Up

Chapter 3 Values Cause A Hero To Bypass All Fear

Chapter 4 A Hero Is Prepared To Act

Chapter 5 A Hero Will Rise Up Against Problems Everyone Else Accepts

Chapter 6 A Hero Will Sacrifice Themselves For The Sake Of Others

Chapter 7 Everyday Heroes

Measure Your Hero Potential

About the author:

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Daily Heroes Are Ordinary People Who Have One Special Ability

Chapter 2 Adversity Will Cause A Hero To Rise Up

Chapter 3 Values Cause A Hero To Bypass All Fear

Chapter 4 A Hero Is Prepared To Act

Chapter 5 A Hero Will Rise Up Against Problems Everyone Else Accepts

Chapter 6 A Hero Will Sacrifice Themselves For The Sake Of Others

Chapter 7 Everyday Heroes

Measure Your Hero Potential

About the author: