A few weeks back I watched a short clip from the JRE (Joe Rogan Experience) podcast. It changed the way I made choices in my life. The fundamental message from the video: become the hero in your own movie.

After watching this, I took a few seconds to really digest this information. What does it means to become the hero in your own movie? What does the superhero version of me even look like, let alone how do I become that person?

Since watching Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, I've always felt a deep connection with Batman. His entire ethos and drive have always been characteristics I've admired. Before exams I've always listened to the soundtracks for motivation, and the number of times I've watched the "Why do we fall?" scene to get me out bed is extortionate. I remember seeing a meme once that said, "Always be yourself...unless you can be Batman, always be Batman”. This admiration of Batman formed a vision of what kind hero I would be.

After pondering on it for a while, I think I've figure out how you become your own hero:

When you're faced with a choice, an option, a scenario, you take the route that your best version would take. You do what the vision of your superhero self would do.

In the Dark Knight, Gotham seems to be conspiring against Batman, blaming him for the appearance of these insidious villains, demanding he turns himself into the police. But, despite all of this, Batman does what’s right. He stays bound to his principles despite how the world looks at him.

Whilst we can’t be all be Bruce Wayne, we can make all have the ability to make the right decision. Instead of listening to music in the car, you can read. Instead of watching Orange is the New Black, you can watch a TED talk related to your passions. Instead of staying at home because you're tired and don't feel like it, you go out and have a fucking awesome time.

It's not about making life more boring, and it's not always a black and white choice. It's about doing what you know you’re capable of, and embracing a better version of yourself.

I think the easiest way to begin this journey is to just do one thing your superhero self would do. Just one everyday.

It might be reading, learning to code for an hour a day or becoming an evil mastermind. It doesn't matter, but actively try to make decisions and choices from a place higher than you currently are.

It will shortcut your path to becoming your own hero, and one day you might just wake up and realise your Batman.