How’s your Hero Challenge going?

Last week, Adam invited you to spend 5-15 minutes a day on a personal growth activity with your child—a small but powerful way to start shaping identity.

So this month we’re turning inward—to the Hero’s Journey itself. Because at its core, identity is the story we tell ourselves about who we are—and who we can become.

The Hero’s Journey, a concept introduced by mythologist Joseph Campbell, is the storytelling blueprint behind every great hero we admire—from Harry Potter to Moana to Spider-Man. It follows a simple but powerful arc: An ordinary person faces a challenge, struggles, grows, and ultimately transforms.

But this journey isn’t just for movie characters—it’s for all of us.

We all love hearing the stories of heroes who rise from pain to purpose, overcoming obstacles with resilience and courage. But have we ever paused to see ourselves in that same way?

As we continue our Hero Challenge, let’s explore how we can use storytelling to help kids (and ourselves) step into our own hero’s journey—to see struggles as stepping stones, failures as lessons, and growth as the ultimate adventure.

Source: What makes a hero? - Matthew Winkler (TED-Ed)

Did You Know? The Secret to Becoming a Hero

Many believe we need to have something before we can truly do or be what we want.

“If I have more confidence, then I can speak up more, and I’ll finally be a leader.”

“If my child had more patience, they would listen better, and we’d have fewer struggles.”


But what if we flipped this thinking?
My Be-Do-Have Paradigm suggests that instead of waiting for something external to change, we start from the inside out—by first deciding who we want to be.

Here’s how it works:

1️⃣ Be – Choose your identity first. What would a hero do? See yourself (and help your child see themselves) as brave, kind, or confident—before anything else.

2️⃣ Do – Act like that person. What actions would a hero take? Make choices that align with that identity, even in small ways.

3️⃣ Have – Over time, the results follow. What does a hero’s life look like? Confidence, resilience, and growth naturally come when you embody the mindset and take action.

Example for Kids:
Instead of saying “I’ll be brave when I feel less scared,” encourage them to step into bravery first. Ask, “What would a hero do right now?” and let them take even the smallest courageous action.

I’ve seen this firsthand in my years of teaching—when kids start seeing themselves as heroes, they begin to act like it, and soon, they truly become it.

You can make a difference! Help your kids shift from waiting to be ready to stepping into their hero identity—right now.

Your Inner Hero – February’s Wallpaper

This month, we’re not looking to an animal for inspiration—we’re looking within.

Your inner hero is already inside you, waiting to be awakened. Just like the heroes in our favorite stories, you have the power to grow, adapt, and rise to challenges.

💡 Tip: Stay inspired all month with our Inner Hero phone wallpaper—a daily reminder that you already have what it takes to be the hero of your own story.

Simply download the image, set it as your lock screen or wallpaper (go to your phone’s settings or photo gallery to adjust), and let the quote remind you that you are the hero of your own journey.

Use it as a way to guide your child in embracing their inner hero—facing challenges with courage, seeing struggles as part of their growth, and stepping into the person they are meant to become.

Tool: Daily Hero Pose

Step into your inner hero with the Hero Pose! Standing tall with hands on hips and shoulders back isn’t just for superheroes—it’s backed by science! Research shows that adopting a strong, confident posture can boost feelings of courage and reduce stress.

💡 Try This: Have your child strike their own Hero Pose or try the yoga version, Virasana (Hero Pose), which helps with focus and relaxation. As they hold their pose for 30 seconds, encourage them to say an affirmation like, "I am brave," "I am strong," or "I can handle anything!"

Source: Hero Pose | Yoga Pose Universe (Cosmic Kids Yoga)

Is February your birthday month?

If February is your or your child’s birthday month, we’d love to hear from you! Share a story or personal insight that connects to the theme of the Hero’s Journey—a time when you faced a challenge, overcame an obstacle, or stepped into a new version of yourself. Maybe your child showed resilience in a tough moment, or you took a leap toward personal growth.

Email your story to us with the subject line “February Submission” by Feb 28th for a chance to be featured. We can’t wait to read your inspiring stories and celebrate the unique qualities that each month’s animal brings to our community!

Next week, Sylvia will share ways to make identity-building a natural part of your daily life, with small but powerful habits that help both you and your child grow. But before we wrap up, here’s something I always remind parents:

Believe, Become, Inspire.

Believe in your child—help them see that they already have the qualities of a hero inside them. Next, help them become that hero—by encouraging small actions that build confidence and resilience. Then, inspire them—show them, through your own actions, what it means to embrace challenges and grow.

When we do this, we’re not just guiding our kids—we’re giving them the mindset to shape their own powerful story. That’s what excites me most about working with children, and I hope it inspires you too.

Keep embracing your hero’s journey! 🚀✨