Do you know what qualities characterize a current hero?

Who hasn’t dreamed of being a hero at some point, even in childhood? What characteristics or qualities make a person a hero? Is there a hero gene? Many experts believe that it is possible for people to learn to be heroes. And you, do you have what it takes?

Believe it or not, We are all potential heroes waiting for a moment in life to perform heroic action.. Acting this way is an option that may arise in some situation. Upon arrival, many discover that they are capable of doing things unimaginable to them. But a heroic act is one thing and a hero’s life another.

We can all be heroes

We all admire someone, we have one or more reference heroes, whether real or fictitious. In all of them we observe characteristics that amaze us. And if we admire them, it is because we would like to be like them. But it is possible?

According to a recent study, conducted by Zeno Franco and Philip Zimbardo, The answer might lie in what kind of heroism we are addressing. Researchers have found that people who have engaged in acts of bravery on some occasion (such as rescuing someone from being run over or putting their life at risk to help others) are not necessarily very different from control groups of non-people. heroes.

On the contrary, Those who engage in heroism on a daily basis do share various personality traits, such as empathy, affection for others and the need to live by a moral code. This is the case of those who work in security forces, emergency medical personnel, people who work with populations at social risk, etc.

According to the authors of the study, being a hero is not simply being a good role model or a popular sports figure. They believe that it has become necessary to examine the historical meanings of the word “hero.” Nowadays it is possible to encourage what we call “heroic imagination” or the development of a personal heroic ideal. This ideal can help guide a person’s behavior in times of moral difficulty or uncertainty.

Qualities to be a hero

In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggested that heroes have 12 core traits which are:

Courage.Conviction.Courage.Determination.Servant.Honesty.Inspirational.Moral Integrity.Protective.Self-Sacrifice.Selflessness.Strength.

Many experts believe that it is possible to learn to be heroes. Next, we will see some of the main characteristics that Zeno Franco and Philip Zimbardo have attributed to heroes and that can be developed with the right dedication.

1. They are interested in the well-being of others

People who become heroes tend to be interested in the well-being of others. According to researchers, empathy and compassion are key variables that contribute to heroic behavior.

Individuals who throw themselves into helping others in the face of danger and adversity do so because they truly care about the safety and well-being of other people. Along these same lines, other studies have also found that people who have heroic tendencies have a higher degree of empathy.

2. They put themselves in each other’s shoes

Heroes are able to see things from the perspective of others. Researchers suggest that they are not only compassionate and caring, but they also have a knack for seeing things from other people’s perspectives.

In addition to being able to wear other people’s shoes, they are able to walk a long way in them. Thus, when they find themselves in a situation where an individual is in need, they are immediately able to see themselves in that same position and see what needs to be done to help.

3. They are competent and feel confident

Heroes are competent and self-confident people. After all, helping someone requires both the ability to do something and the self-confidence necessary to feel capable of doing what needs to be done.

The researchers suggest that People who perform heroic acts tend to have confidence in themselves and their abilities. In this way, when faced with a crisis, the heroes truly believe that they are capable of handling the challenge and achieving success no matter the odds. Part of this confidence may come from the fact that they have above-average skills as well as tools to manage stress.

4. They live according to high values

Heroes have a great moral code that governs their daily lives, both in their personal lives and in their social and work lives. This may be one of the most striking features, as well as one of the most difficult to find.

According to researchers, heroes have two essential qualities that differentiate them from non-heroes: they live by their values ​​and are willing to endure personal risk to protect them. Their personal principles and beliefs give them the courage and determination to endure danger.

5. They have useful skills and strengths

Heroes generally have physical abilities that allow them to cope with a crisis. A person is less likely to help another, in a situation that requires a physical skill (swimming, for example), if they do not have the ability to do so. After all, those who rush into heroism without sense and aptitude end up creating greater difficulties.

6. They are able to stand up to fear

A person who rushes into a burning building to save another person does so not only because he or she is extremely brave, but because he or she is able to overcome fear. Researchers suggest that heroic individuals are naturally positive, which contributes to their ability to look beyond the immediate danger a situation poses and see a more optimistic outcome. In fact, it has been found that People identified as heroes are more likely to be positive in the face of negative events.

In many cases, these individuals may also have a higher risk tolerance. Many people freeze in the face of danger or simply do not take the step when they feel the slightest risk. However, people who display a heroic attitude are often more likely to take greater risks.

7. They pursue their goals, despite obstacles

One of the characteristics of heroes is that they continue to work toward goals despite obstacles, even after suffering several setbacks. Persistence is another common quality of heroes and they do not stop until they achieve what they have set out to do.

8. They are selfless

Heroes do not act expecting to receive praise and congratulations, they do it simply to help those who need it. They turn other people into ends in themselves and not means to reaffirm their egos or obtain some kind of prize or reward. In this sense, the hero does not respond for his own interests, but for the benefit of someone else’s interest.

9. They are unexpected

The heroic person is generally someone unknown who appears at the moment when help is most needed. He does not have a plan up his sleeve or a salvation agenda to go into the world. Nobody expects his intervention, but when he does it everyone recognizes that his collaboration was fair and necessary.

In closing, a hero is someone who recognizes the value and dignity of all human life. When he “puts on his cape” he forgets himself and goes out to meet that other person who is needing him. Every heroic act he performs is proof of his courage to exist for the good of others.

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