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“Emotions drive our actions. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt uses the analogy of an elephant and rider. Although the “rider” (our mind) usually knows best, the “elephant” (our emotions) is often stronger and tends to overpower our best intentions. What do we do when it’s just more comfortable to do nothing?
As the saying goes, “no pain no gain.” Everyday heroism, especially in the beginning, is not comfortable or easy. When facing a situation that calls for heroic action, you are very likely to encounter your own fear and inertia. It takes practice and commitment to counter their influence. How will you overcome them?”
~From the Heroic Imagination Project
Now, having read that…. go here: http://heroicimagination.org and start reading, listening and really letting it sink in.
When could you have stepped up and been a hero, but didn’t? I know I have my own list. So, I’m going to dedicate the next week to really reading, listening and reviewing the site and making a promise to myself that I’m going to go out of my way to do the right thing when call upon to do so.
What about you?
Related articles
- Philip Zimbardo: The demise of guys? (tricitypsychology.com)
- Philip Zimbardo | Profile on TED.com (worldwright.wordpress.com)
- The Situation of Heroism (thesituationist.wordpress.com)
- HIP on NPR! (thesituationist.wordpress.com)
