Growing up with My Heroes
Who are your heroes, and why? What do you see in them that you would like to be?
As a leader, you can draw both insight and inspiration from the people you admire. Thinking about who your heroes are and why can help you move closer to the leader you aspire to be. It’s also a great source of motivation as you begin working towards your goals in 2026.
I’ve always found a strong sense of inspiration from the important people in my life. I can even say that I grew up with my heroes. Once my dad left, I lived in household of all women. It was just me, my mom and my two younger sisters. We didn’t have a lot of resources, and we had experienced a lot of hardships. But each of us took those challenges and turned them into strengths.
My sister Laila became one of the most perseverant, hard-working people I know. At 18, she declared herself legally independent, moved from Seattle to LA and began working at a production studio. She worked full-time and went to school part-time to earn her AA degree and then transferred to USC. Laila earned an MA in Accounting from USC, got her CPA license, and worked her way up in the Big Four accounting firms. Today, she’s a mother of three and the SVP of Tax at an asset management firm. She manages a staggering amount of responsibilities and takes it all in stride. When I feel like giving up on something, I think about Laila. I ask myself, “How can I draw on her sense of perseverance? What do I need to keep moving forward?”
My sister Katie developed into one of the most self-assured people I know. She was a bit of a rebel growing up. As a teen, she did exactly what she wanted, everyone else be damned. As she grew older and started a family, that self-assurance was tempered with a deep sense of caring for the people in her life. Katie relocated to Salt Lake City and earned her realtor’s license. During her first year as a realtor, she earned Rookie of the Year at her firm. Over the subsequent ten years, she’s worked with hundreds of clients and become known for strong client advocacy and “above and beyond” service. Katie is very clear on what she wants and unapologetically pursues it. When I’m second guessing myself, I often ask, “What would Katie do?” I channel her self-assurance and move forward with confidence.
These women are fierce and beautiful and talented. They are endless sources of inspiration and strength for me. I’m a better person because they are part of my life.
As I look ahead at the new year, I’m motivating myself in a different way. I’ve set an intention to focus on the pull, rather than the push. This means working towards my goals from a sense of inspiration rather than force.
I know I can accomplish my goals by pushing myself hard, but that approach doesn’t always lead to a fulfilling or enjoyable year. By seeking inspiration rather than relying solely on self-imposed pressure, I may find greater fulfillment and sustained motivation throughout the year.
I’m probably not the only one who would like to see this change. What would happen if you looked for the pull of inspiration to motivate your 2026 achievements? What might change for you if you pursued your goals this way?
The first step is to look to your heroes.
Make a list of the people who inspire you. These could be authors, thought leaders, or CEOs. They could also be friends, family or colleagues.
Think of three traits you admire in each of these people.
Which of these strengths would others say they recognize in you?
Which of these traits would you like to continue to develop?
Take a look at your annual goals. Identify one of your personal strengths that will help you achieve each of them.
Set an intention to work from a place of inspiration this year. How will you stay inspired to achieve your goals?
Consider posting a photo or quote by one of your heroes in your workspace to act as a reminder to focus on the pull, rather than the push.
Contact me directly to discuss how we can work together to find the unique points of inspiration that will propel you towards your 2026 goals!
