Who Do You Think You Are?

What better way to kick it off the month than by celebrating "National Heroes Day"—a perfect reminder that heroes aren’t born; they’re made.

But what does that have to do with you and your kids?

Heroes don’t wait for someone to tell them they’re special. They decide who they are and act accordingly. The same goes for us. Our identity—the way we see ourselves—shapes everything we do.

Take this exciting discovery: three young scientists just captured the first-ever photos of the rare shrew in California (Read the story here!). Did you know, its small body has an incredibly strong spine, allowing it to lift objects many times its own weight! Even something tiny can have hidden strength—just like us.

The way we see ourselves influences our actions, our confidence, and even our success.

If we want to raise empowered kids, we have to help them (and ourselves) build an identity that lifts us up, not holds us back.

The idea that “80% of results come from 20% of causes” is known as the Pareto Principle, named after Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto. It’s a powerful reminder that a small shift in mindset—a 20% change—can create 80% of the impact. Let’s make sure that shift is one that empowers us.

Is Your Identity Empowering?

When you look in the mirror, do you see strength, confidence, and potential? Or do you focus on flaws?

The way you define yourself shapes your actions—and where you put your focus is where your energy will flow.

If you constantly tell yourself, “I’m shy” or “I’m not good enough,” you’ll reinforce that belief and live up to it. But if you shift your focus to strengths and possibilities, you create the energy to grow into the person you want to be.

These three powerful strategies, inspired by award-winning trainer Jimmy Naraine, will help you (and your kids) build an identity that empowers rather than limits you.

1. You Are Already Good Enough

It’s easy to underestimate ourselves while overestimating others. Think about it—when we compare ourselves, we only see others' best angles, not their struggles. We know everything about our own insecurities but only see the highlight reel of others.

Even the heroes we admire are just people with their own challenges. Knowing that can take the pressure off and remind us that we’re just as capable as those we look up to.

Try This: The next time you compare yourself to someone, remind yourself: "even Superman/Wonder-woman is just human!"

2. "Why I’m Great" Exercise

We tend to focus on what we lack instead of what we already have. But whatever we focus on, we attract more of. So let’s shift that!

Try This: Take 5 minutes and make a "Why I’m Great" list. Do it with your kids too!

1️⃣ List positive things about yourself (How do people compliment you?). Example: "I’m kind," "I learn from mistakes," "I’m a great friend."

2️⃣ List things you once thought were impossible but now take for granted. Example: "I built a business," "I can speak another language," "I’ve raised a family."

Revisit this list regularly, especially when you need it most, to remind yourself how far you’ve come.

3. Become an Actor in Your Own Life

Think of your favorite actors or storybook characters—they can play a hero, a villain, a comedian. They don’t just accept "who they are"—they step into different roles.

Try This: Imagine you’re an actor hired to play a confident, charismatic, funny version of yourself. Step into that role for a day. What would that version of you say and do?

Kids love this tool! Ask them: "If you were in a movie, what character would you play today?" Make it a game and watch them step into a new version of themselves.

Growth happens when we step outside our comfort zone—so why not have fun with it?

Build a Strong Identity Through Stories

Stories have the power to shape how kids see themselves and the world around them.

The Awaken Your Inner Hero Book Bundle is designed to help children and adults build confidence, recognize their strengths, and develop a powerful identity—one page at a time.

Give your child or student the gift of a strong, empowered identity through the magic of storytelling.

Today is the perfect time to embrace your inner hero—starting with our 7-Day Hero Challenge!

Spend 5-15 minutes a day on a personal growth activity with your child.

It can be the "Why I’m Great" exercise, reading a chapter from "Awaken Your Inner Hero," or simply encouraging them to see themselves in a new, positive light. Small moments like these help shape a strong, empowered identity.

Share your experience in the REK Facebook group and inspire others on this journey.

Let’s close with a reminder from Superman himself, Christopher Reeve:

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."

No matter where you are right now, you are stronger than you think. And so are your kids. 💪 Let’s make the next few weeks all about powerful identity shifts.

Who will you choose to be?

Until next time,

Adam & Matthew Toren, The Biz Brothers
"It's never too early!"