Intro:

What if the world’s darkest moments are also its greatest invitations to act? What if this historical moment means that you matter, that your actions matter? And what if heroism isn’t about grand gestures, but small, consistent action?

Topic to be discussed:

In this podcast episode, Michael Glavin discusses how now is a time for heroes and building a better world.

Summary:

* Why now is the time for heroes

* Michael’s 7-step process to find your purpose

* Final takeaways

Show notes:

Why now is the time for heroes

Things are bad right now politically, ecologically, and economically. The bad news is that a lot is going on in the world right now that is not good. However, the good news is that we can make a significant, positive impact through collective action.

The good news is that because things are so bad, it’s going to take everyone, everywhere, all at once to create a better future. What that means is that you are important. What you decide to do in this moment, what you choose to do in this moment, matters.

(Michael Glavin)

Remember: they win when we, when you and I, decide to give up and give in. That is what they want, complacency and apathy.

By continuing to learn, show up, organize, and take aligned, meaningful action, our collective effort has the potential and power to change the whole situation around.

If we take action, if we do something. We speak out, we non-violently oppose what is happening to defend what is good at right in our society, to do the right thing … We will win. We will prevail.

(Michael Glavin)

Michael’s 7-step process

You can get the full 7-step PDF on our website. Below is a shortened version.

1 - Let yourself be aware of what is not going well, and accept it. Don’t shy away from it, just know that it is happening and let yourself be drawn to it.

2 - What do you want instead of the injustice and corruption? What would justice look like? What would a socially, ecologically, politically, and economically healthy world look like for you?

3 - Now consider what it would take to accomplish and bring this positive vision of the future that you have to fruition.

4 - Complete a self-assessment.

* Think about your abilities, background, experience, education, and training.

* Think about your limitations, what’s doable and not, and find the middle ground.

* What should you protect, and what are you willing to sacrifice?

What skills do you have? Also, what do you like doing? What are you passionate about? What would you do for free? What would you do as a volunteer? … Take a moment to inventory yourself, your background, your experience, and how it relates to everything that needs to be done in terms of turning this situation around.

(Michael Glavin)

Where are your personal limitations and boundaries when it comes to your time, energy, and finances? Can you take small steps within your boundaries, instead of pushing yourself beyond these limits?

5 - Take action.

* Now that you have seen the scope of what’s needed, you’ve evaluated what you can give within your limits, and you have a vision to work towards. You are ready to find the best place to take the first step forward, and to take it.

* Join a group that you can work with and that shares your values. Being part of communities gives you the support and encouragement that you can rely on and fall back on when things get tough.

6 - Shift focus.

* Guard your attention and focus, and don’t let yourself get on board on the rollercoaster of social media and the news, which keeps you stressed and exhausted.

Don’t primarily focus on your feelings. What you need to do is focus on the action you’re taking in the world. Focus on the impact you’re having on the people, the planet. Focus on the good that you’re doing and how you’re helping people’s lives.

(Michael Glavin)

7 - How does your action connect up with everything else?

* Support yourself and your newfound network to maintain the action, instead of falling into feelings.

* Guard your safety and security, and work with people that you trust.

* Celebrate the change that your actions bring!

Final takeaways

If each of us overcome our fear and take action, we can build a better world. You matter. Your actions matter.

Books mentioned in this episode:

Hannah Arendt, On Revolution

Hannah Arendt, Between Past and Future

Douglas W Tallamy, Bringing Nature Home

Useful links:

Podcast website:

Practice website:

Food Not Bombs

How to Create a Mutual Aid Network

Indivisible

Stone Soup

Get the 7-Step PDF for Free:

Get full access to Resilience in Dark Times - Podcast at michaelglavin.substack.com/subscribe