Who is Your Hero?

I believe in making small adjustments in how we approach life for a big impact. As I was writing this piece I was watching the I Heart Radio Living Room Concert. I was lucky that one of my favorite musicians and musical heroes came on, Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters.

Immediately, because I love Dave Grohl and his song "My Hero", I stopped everything I was doing to listen to Dave, who said...

"If you love someone tell them. If you are thankful for someone tell them." 

He then proceeded to play one of my all-time favorite songs 'My Hero' to which I did a lovely sing along. True story.

So, what would happen if we followed Dave's advice and made it a practice to celebrate our heroes every day or every week by reaching out telling them we love them or that we are thankful for them?

As an administrator, I implemented a meaningful school-wide practice called 'Hump Day Hero'. Students, teachers and parents nominated their heroes each week. I had tall stacks of nomination papers and would share the nominations on the announcements every Wednesday aka Hump Day!

As a school community, we looked forward to it every week. It made an impact. Through that practice, lives were immeasurably enriched, including my own.

“You'll find that implementing small changes can have a significant impact on your life. Remember - little hinges swing on big doors”. - S. J. Scott, Habit Stacking 

It's a small change with the opportunity for a big impact, celebrating our everyday heroes. How do you do it? Well, that's up to you! I believe we would live with greater joy, less regret, and inspire others to continue the good work they do resulting in happier and brighter days and a greater feeling of significance and belonging. Isn't that what we all hope for and need? 

Here is a picture of Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters performing at Blossom Music Center in 2019. Amazing show! It's nice to reflect on the good times in life during times like these.



You can find the song 'My Hero' on my EDSolutions Inspiration Spotify Playlist which you can like and follow to listen to for inspiration anytime you need it! 

"If you love someone tell them. If you are thankful for someone tell them." 

*Originally published April 20, 2020

About the Author Lisa Imel, M.Ed.

Lisa Imel, M.Ed. is the Founder and Chief Educational Consultant of the EDSolutions Group where she serves as a school strategy consultant, digital course creator, leadership coach, and more! Lisa specializes in Human Potential, Workforce & Economic Development, and k-16 Education Strategy. Through her work with school districts, colleges and secondary and post-secondary leadership partners she develops business community partnerships, ideates, creates and implements systems and structures so that you can lead a more productive, meaningful, healthier, happier, work & personal life. Our work will  help you have a greater impact and influence more of your students to achieve brighter futures!  As a life-long educator, high-school, middle-school, and elementary administrator, teacher and licensed superintendent, she gets it. Reach out at [email protected]

Thank you for reading EdSolutionsChat (this blog) where school leaders come for inspiration! 

“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” -Marian Wright Edelman