The Myth
Wouldn't it be incredible if we all had superpowers? Imagine soaring through the sky, lifting cars with one hand, or reading minds—effortlessly.
I recently heard this quote by Mark Manson, "Superpowers are power without effort." I love this thought.
Just...BOOM! POWER without any effort.
But the truth is, power without effort isn't real power; it's an illusion.
The Fantasy
In our day and age, many want the results without the struggle. I mean...who's to blame one for such desire?! Who would say "no" to gaining power in an instant?
We've all seen it. The superheroes in movies gain their abilities immediately. Whether it's a bite from a radioactive spider, a bolt of lightning, or alien genetics--it's thrilling to watch! But the sad part is that it fuels the misconception that true power can come without struggle. In the movies, the superheroes often don't even know how to handle or manage their power because they didn't "grow" into it.
Why?
Because...
In reality, anything worth having—strength, resilience, wisdom—requires effort and responsibility!
The Truth
As a child, I often wished for a superpower that could change my circumstances. My home life was less than stellar--emotional and physical abuse were commonplace there. I remember days I would imagine that if I had a superpower, I could escape or take control. But no magical rescue came. Instead, I found power through effort—by excelling in school, pushing myself in sports, and choosing to take a different path for myself every single day.
Looking back, that was real power: taking responsibility for myself. Yes, I had teachers and coaches to help me along the way, but I know that I would NOT be who I am today had I not fought for myself and my value in those younger years.
Everyday Superpowers
As adults, we often still hope for shortcuts. Who hasn't dreamt of effortless success? Or wish you could eat all the Oreos you want and still have a perfect body? But the truth remains: power is earned, not given. I tried to think of some REAL-life superpowers anyone can develop. Here's what I came up with--
- Strength: No one wakes up with instant muscle or endurance. You have to train. You need discipline. To build physical power, you must show up even when you don't want to; it's not built overnight.
- Emotional Resilience: Life eventually throws curve balls our way. We have to take responsibility for our emotions. We need to have resources and strategies in place to stay steady in the chaos. It takes effort.
- Happiness: True fulfillment doesn't come from external validation—it comes from within. Do you love yourself? Do you truly value yourself? Are you willing to set (and enforce) boundaries to protect your heart and mind? Again...it requires a lot of effort and self-awareness.
- Discipline: I think this one is one of our greatest superpowers! Do you have the ability to push through discomfort and stay committed to what you set your mind to...even long after the motivated feeling of which you had at that moment has left? Discipline requires consistency and lots of effort.
The Real Superpower?
Superpowers, as we see them in fiction, are fun to imagine but misleading in reality. The closest thing we have to superhuman strength is taking responsibility for our lives.
That's where true power lies—
making the choice to show up,
to put in the work,
and to grow despite obstacles.
So, instead of wishing for effortless power, embrace the strength that comes when we take ownership of our actions. Own your choices. Don't shy away from the effort. And when others recognize your progress, be proud! Don't downplay it; own that effort, too!
And if you're going through a rough spot right now...keep moving forward! You're gaining REAL strength, my friend!
Best of all...realize that the ability to transform your life has been in your hands all along! No radioactive spider bites needed.
Every day you keep grinding, you earn POWER, the REAL superpower! It's ALL yours!
So, show up. Keep learning. Keep growing.
And...*one fist raised like Superman* soar through life!
