The hero is only a hero because he is in the arena. Marred and scarred, he fights with his very life for a cause larger than himself. That is why he is so inspiring to us.

What makes a true hero?

The true hero does not set out to be heroic, it just happens as a natural unfolding of his life and who he is. The hero is heroic because he faces incredible odds in the pursuit of his own personal “Holy Grail.”

Any student of mythology knows that the heroes throughout time have been very similar in not only their quest but in the way their quest unfolds.

We have lost our mythology in modern times. Mythology was never meant as a literal history book. Mythology is the history, and the journey, of the human soul.

The hero is always a normal individual with an abnormal desire and dream. The hero has the courage and the grit to go after something that seems impossible; to face what appear to be insurmountable odds.

Just because it is never been done, does not mean you cannot do it.

The hero follows his heart, not money or fame or fortune; often driven by love for a damsel, or for a great cause, for God or King and country, all of which have deep meaning, purpose and heart for him.

The hero is willing to give and risk his very life for something bigger than himself.

The hero always starts off with a grand vision of success and victory, with his mind and jaw set to achieve what most think impossible. Most heroes descend into hell, fight a large multi-headed dragon or beast, climb a huge mountain to find a precious stone, or some other epic task.

But rest assured, there are always struggle, strife, self-doubt, discouragement, and threat of death and loss of life.

Big threats!!

The hero pitches his sails to the end of the earth; and is willing to fight all odds in the quest for his personal grail.

The hero is not “balanced.” Far from it! Balance and mastery cannot coexist in the same space. The forces of resistance must give way to the indomitable spirit that just keeps coming.

Finally overcoming unfathomable odds, the hero always returns to the world with a gift. A great talisman with great meaning… A great fortune for the people… A great story of inspiration for the masses to pass down through the ages…

Decide what you are here to achieve. Decide what you are willing to sacrifice to achieve it. Get busy on your quest. Do the work. Become a hero.

The true hero is an ordinary individual that faces extraordinary odds and accomplishes personal greatness. And the battle never ends!!