Make better decisions & reach your goals with your superhero archetype
Published by Nela Dunato on in Mindset
There’s a saying (I have no idea where I first heard of it) “If you want to achieve something, you need to think like a person who already did it”.
In this post I’m sharing a technique you can use to get yourself into a mindset of this person.
Here’s the gist: create a “superhero” persona that will step in and lead the way when you need to make decisions and take actions that will lead you toward your goals.
Your superhero doesn’t need to be anything like those from the comics. Don’t like tights and masks? No problem. In fact, if the very word “superhero” bothers you, use the word archetype instead.
Instead of using comics as inspiration, you can use any source you feel drawn to: fairy-tales, mythology, the Tarot…
I need to make one thing clear: you’re not trying to become a different person. This archetype is already present within you, and is dangling those desires and goals in front of your nose so you would go for them and find the required qualities inside of you.
You only need to let her take the reigns more often than you currently do. This may seem like a stretch because it’s outside of your comfort zone (and by definition, quite uncomfortable), but you’re not meant to remain inside your comfort zone forever.
Those goals and desires you have are calling you.
Also, the superhero archetype is not your “ideal self”. Humans are multi-dimensional and we consist of multiple archetypes, at least one for every role in life we play: daughter, mother, lover, artist, business owner…
This archetype is just the one you’ve chosen to focus your attention on for a period of time, and is closely related to a certain goal you have.
How to find your superhero archetype
If you don’t already have an idea, feel free to use the questions below to get clear on what you actually want, and what superpowers you’ll need to get there.
- What is your big desire or goal? What material circumstance do you want to create in your life?
- Imagine your desire has already come true and describe it in detail, so it’s the most perfect experience you can imagine.
- What are you like as a person now that this desire has come true? What qualities do you have that enabled you to achieve this goal?
- If you could describe yourself as a person who achieved this goal in only 3-5 words, what would they be? What is the essence of your personality?
Try out various word combinations and pick the one that brings you the most excitement and joy.
The answer to the last question is your superhero archetype.
Your superhero archetype invocation is “I AM (your superhero archetype)”
Write it down on paper and keep it handy. You can put it on your wall, or you can create a cartoon, artwork or a vision board of your archetype so you can keep it on your mind all the time.
How to use your superhero archetype
There are so many ways you can use it. Here are just a few suggestions.
When you wake up in the morning, call onto your superpowers by mentally saying the invocation. Feel your mood and energy change when you do it!
Each time you feel like your enthusiasm is getting weak, or something happened that discouraged you, say the invocation.
As you go about your day and make a ton of tiny decisions that may seem irrelevant, as yourself questions like these:
- If I were my my superhero self, what would I wear?
- What would I eat?
- What would I do first thing in the morning?
- What would I do in the evening before sleep?
- How would I care about herself?
- Would I spend money on this thing or that thing?
- Would I be using Facebook right now, or writing my blog?
You don’t need to act the way your superhero self would each time. They are just some things that might help you to get in touch with this archetype, and the more of these you do, the more in touch you will be with her.
When it comes to making important decisions that relate to your goal, you’ll definitely want to invoke your superpowers.
Take an extra few minutes to get in touch with your superhero archetype. Close your eyes and say the invocation either mentally or out loud. Do it a couple of times if you need to, until you’re confident that she’s present with you.
Now look at the options you have, and as yourself, “As (my superhero archetype), what decision would I make?” or “What action would I take?”
You’ll know what the answer is. And it will probably scare you. But if you want to be the person that achieved your goal, you need to do what she would do.
Use props to step into your role
One way to make stepping into your superhero persona easier is to use a prop to get you into the role. A hat, a scarf, a special piece of jewelry… Put it on and do the invocation.
When you want to step out, simply take your prop off.
Turn your office into your secret headquarters
Decorate your office with details your superhero archetype self would keep around. You don’t need to go overboard (and over budget), just a few pictures and small items will do.
Level up
What to do when your superhero archetype doesn’t feel as exciting and expansive as it used to? This means you’ve integrated her qualities, and if you want to expand further, you need to pick a new one.
Repeat the process I described above whenever you reach your goals and create new ones, or simply whenever you feel the need to.
I hope you enjoyed this quirky tip, let me know what you think! :)
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About Nela Dunato
Artist, brand designer, teacher, and writer. Author of the book “The Human Centered Brand”. Owner of a boutique branding & design consultancy that helps experienced service-based businesses impress their dream clients.
On this blog I write about art, design, creativity, business, productivity and marketing, and share my creative process and tips. Read more about me...
Some blog articles contain affiliate links to products on Amazon. I’ll get paid a few cents if you buy something using my link, and there’s no extra charge to you.
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