Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | RSS | More
In comics, television, film, and now Netflix, there are superheroes who come to save the day when villains attack or bad circumstances befall the vulnerable, the voiceless, and the innocent. Superheroes give us hope, and they empower us with moral fortitude to do the right thing even when the going gets tough. Over the years, I have noticed a trend among some highly productive people that has me understanding a bit more about why they get things done, even in the face of great adversity. And, it all has to do with a bit of surreality and a smidgen of gamification (even if they can’t explain it in such terms). Basically, these highly productive people, when they need to, become the superheroes of their own lives. Here’s how you can too.
Everybody has somebody they look up to; somebody that can save the day when things look hopeless. Highly productive people believe those somebodies are themselves! And, so should you.
In a way, the popularity of bloggers, vloggers, and podcasters like Nerdist’s Chris Hardwick, Bulletproof’s Dave Asprey, and Four-Hour Workweek’s Tim Ferriss are based on these superhero, self-experimenting, human potential boundary-pushing personas. These individuals are playing the superhero roles of their own lives, and that drives us all to the edge of our seats wishing we could be doing the same. And while it seems like guys get all the publicity with self-experimentation, any ladies reading (or, listening) shouldn’t feel shy to don your favorite superhero personas.
So, here’s how to summon your inner superhero when the going gets tough and Gotham, Metropolis, or, um, Kansas City, needs you.
- Identify the superhero productivity characteristics needed to make s*** get done.
- Identify a routine that puts you into your own superhero state. What can you do to put on the proverbial red cape and uniform to transform into a productive superhero.
- Know your Kryptonite and your Archvillain.
- And, know you cannot talk about your superhero powers. Let people wonder over the mystery of how you performed those super-productive feats. Your job is keep your superhero identity a secret.
Caveat: a recent study out of Ohio State University found that your thoughts and behaviors may start to mimic fictional characters when you get rapt in a story. So, make sure to pick the superhero you’re adopting wisely!