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Chapter 16: How To Become Your Own Hero

Chapter 16: How To Become Your Own Hero

A simple mindset shift to become the person you've always wanted to be.

Eric Dodds
March 22, 2025

Matthew McConaughey Was Onto Something

In his 2014 Oscar speech, he shares this story:

“When I was 15, someone asked me, ‘Who’s your hero?’

And I said, ‘I don't know. I gotta think about that. Give me a couple of weeks.’

I come back two weeks later – this person comes up and says, ‘Who's your hero?’

He tell him, “It’s me. In 10 years”

So I turned 25.

Ten years later, that same person comes to me and goes, ‘So, are you your hero?’

And I was like, ‘Not even close. No, no, no.’

She said, ‘Why?’ I said, ‘Because my hero's me at 35.’

So you see, every day, every week, every month, and every year of my life, my hero's always 10 years away.

-Matthew McConaughey

His hero wasn’t a mentor. Not a celebrity.

Just a future version of himself. Someone he’s always chasing.

At first, it sounds ridiculous. But, the more you sit with it — the more it clicks.

That’s the game, right?

We’re all trying to close the gap between who we are and who we know we could be.

And one framework that helps with that?

Be → Do → Have

You’ve probably come across versions of this before:

“Be the kind of person who takes action, and you’ll do what’s necessary to have what you want.”

It’s simple, but effective.

And it works across business, fitness, creativity, and life.

Because most people are running a backwards model:

Have → Do → Be
“Once I have the money, I’ll do what I love, and then I’ll be happy.”

Spoiler: that doesn’t work out well.

You chase the thing.
You get the thing.
It doesn’t feel like enough.
So you chase the next thing.

Repeat.

The Real Shift: Be First

When you flip the script, everything changes:

Be → Do → Have

You start with identity.
You act like the person who already has what you want.
And you build from there.

Proof It Works: My Own Story

Looking back, the things I’m most proud of:

Selling millions in tech
Producing short films
Becoming an Ironman

Every single one of them scared the sh*t out of me before I did them.

I didn’t feel ready. I didn’t feel qualified.

But I made a decision:
To show up like the version of me who was ready.

The one who figured it out.
Who stayed consistent.
Who didn’t need permission to start.

I didn’t wait to “have” the confidence.
I led with identity, and let the rest catch up.

Where This Idea Comes From

🧠 Werner Erhard / Landmark Forum

“We’re human beings, not human doings or havings.”

📘 Stephen Covey – 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Habit 1: Be Proactive. Don’t wait. Lead with who you are.

📚 James Clear – Atomic Habits

“The goal isn’t to read a book. The goal is to become a reader.”

Identity-based change always lasts longer than outcome-based goals.

Try This Today

If there’s something you want right now, don’t ask:
"What do I need to have to make it happen?"

Ask:
"Who do I need to become?"

Then start showing up like that person.
Even in small ways. Especially in small ways.

Wrapping Up

Becoming your own hero doesn’t require a breakthrough.

It requires a choice.

To show up like the version of you who already did the thing.

Be → Do → Have.

McConaughey had it right.
The hero you’re chasing?

They’re always just you — 10 years ahead — waiting for you to catch up.

So…
Who are you becoming?
And how would that version of you show up today?