Using Your Superpower to Make an Impact

Recently, I was blessed to give the keynote at a retreat where the theme centered around recognizing your Superpower. It was a truly inspiring experience for me to see an energized group that was leaning into the concept and used the two days to build and strengthen connections with those they work with.
 
As a superhero fan, I geeked out and jumped at the chance to share my own superpower, IMPACT. There were so many ways I could go with the Superhero theme. But when giving a talk, the danger is that you make the talk about you which can be interesting, but only if you can relate it back to the audience. So, my focus turned to their superpowers and how can I help them to see the impact that they can and do make in others.
 
After spending time having them share their superpowers but also building trust through transparency by sharing their “kryptonite”, I shared my “origin story” about My Day of Impact. No, it wasn’t a radioactive spider, but it was pretty traumatic, nonetheless.
 
While sharing the story of flatlining due to a Widow Maker experience may not be the inspiring and energizing story initially, it is relatable to people who may have experienced it through a loved one. The fact that I was able to stand in front of them and share my story allowed me to turn to humor and positivity to get things back on an upbeat path.
 
Being open and vulnerable allowed me to build a deeper connection with the audience and we were able to uncover ways that our superpowers impact others. We also were able to unpack and gain awareness and appreciation for how other people’s powers impact them. 
 
How often does “Imposter Syndrome” set in and we discount our own value?
 
How often do we take for granted the Impact we bring to the team?
 
How often do we overlook what others contribute as we focus on our own situation?
 
Becoming aware of your own superpowers is special. Realizing that you are surrounded by people with superpowers of their own is impactful. Teaming up to form your own Avengers or Justice League is when the full potential of your team becomes undeniable.
 
At that point, we turned the focus to putting the power to use. In the immortal words of Uncle Ben Parker, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Creating action plans and commitments to yourself and your team helps form that stronger bond. It’s the “oath” that you will use your superpower for the greater good.
 
What everyone needs to understand is that your superpower is unique to you. While a lot of people may have similar powers, but how you wield your powers, how you uniquely communicate and relate your powers to others, that is who you are, and it is how others see and experience you.
 
My superpower of Impact is found in each and every one of us. We all have the ability to be a Person of Impact in the lives of others. How we choose for that impact to be felt is up to us.
 
That’s the challenge, to use your superpower everyday - at work and in life - to keep making an impact in the lives of others so that they can make an impact as well. This is how your superpower makes an Impact that goes Beyond Today. 

---