You know who Clark Kent is, right? He’s the guy who, when he took off his glasses, became…
Superman!
And, why did we know Superman was a superhero? Because we were told he was. We didn’t figure it out by looking at him – the guy was, frankly, wearing a fake belt over his underwear with colored pantyhose underneath.
Yeah, right… that would be the first image that would come to my mind when I think of a superhero.
Me, as Clark Kent. This is the picture I used when I first started this blog. And I wrote just like I looked. All academic and didactic. Look at me behind those glasses, collar turned up, hidden in a scarf, under a beret… do I look like Superwoman? Someone who could start new businesses in a single bound? Make money faster than a speeding bullet? Would you follow me? Tweet me?
Actually I really love this photo because my husband took it on my Christmastime birthday trip to Manhattan… but honestly, do I look approachable?
The. Point. I’m. Trying. To. Make. Is this…
We are who we tell other people we are. If we believe we are Superman, people will follow.
We are how we see ourselves.
How we’re being. When I thought of myself in a black and white photo, not loose at all, or fun, I was being that person.
What’s the trick to being Superman, you ask?
Start a descriptive narrative of what it will feel like when you’ve “arrived”. What’s it going to look like? Breathe like? Start acting like it now. There’s not a day when it’s going to just turn on – you need to be it now.
Think of that one person who you’d love to be like… to have as your mentor. Watch them. Mimic them. How do they run their lives?
My Mom once told me there was a time when she acted like me to accomplish something… so I called her this morning and asked her about it. It was the first time she was going to speak in court as a trial attorney –she was dealing with the fear of public speaking. She was prepared, she knew what she was going to say but she needed to appear confident and unafraid. So she pretended she was me!
I’ve remembered this story all these years because I thought it was so cool that my Mom, who is awesome, would pretend for even a minute to be me.
Final thoughts. Be the person you really want to be even if it’s uncomfortable for a while. Take off your Clark Kent glasses and explore who you might be with super powers.
Can you see yourself doing this? Who do you admire? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below. Explore your super powers!
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this post and now I can totally see what you mean about your old profile picture. I think I suddenly feel like superman.
Hi Nicole,
Or Superwoman? Actually she has a much better costume! Thanks for your comment. Isn’t it great to feel like a super hero?
Theresa
Hi Theresa
You know how sometime when you meet someone for the first time you feel an instant affinity with them, well that is what has just happened for me with you. You found your way to my blog and I just had to come look at yours. I really like what you have got going on here. Since blogging I feel like I have had to go through a transformation and as your analogy says take off my glasses. How right we are who we tell people we are and I am determined to take off my glasses of self doubt and start telling people I am a force to be reckoned with, confident, capable and brilliant. I have a feeling we will be visiting each others blogs more.
Belinda
belinda cunningham recently posted..How to find your niche
Hi Belinda
Thanks so much for visiting! I know exactly what you mean. I’m thrilled to hear you say that blogging has been a transforming experience for you. Me too! You mention on your blog that “It is through our shared stories that we can both inspire and be inspired”. Isn’t that what blogging is all about — at least for many of us?
Confident, capable and brilliant! That is so excellent. What a what to live your life. And in doing so you will continue to empower others in ways you may never know!
I look forward to staying in touch and to reading what you write over the years to come!
Theresa
T, this is a great article. Good job. I’ll remember this when I go to court.
Thanks Honey
I think that you are both beautiful and smart. I just love your new photo. Of course I’m your mother. But I’m not the only one it seems.
Congrats on your blog. You are successful at whatever you attempt and I look forward to your future posts and endeavors.
Ahhhh… thanks Mom
You are the best! I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without you and the wonderful guidance you’ve given me all my life. Thanks for always telling me I could do anything!
~xxoo Theresa
Just a post script.
Now there are those who wish that I’d not opened my mouth, court or otherwise. Ha, toooo late. The cat is out of the bag and you helped me do it girl, those many years ago. Even though you didn’t know it at the time. And that is the point. We can help each other and be unaware, but the help is just as real and present.
Oh! And I didn’t even know it! You know what? This is my biggest motivation for blogging. I can only hope I really am helping.
SORRY BAD ENGLISH…. THERESA you are EXCEPCIONAL….I am mexican superhero…I am supermaaaaaan. God bless.
Ahhh… thanks Marco!
I love your statement!
~Theresa