Some sport celebrity like Michael Jordan?; some rock star like Cheryl Crow?; some political leader like Nelson Mandela?; some actor like Ben Affleck?; or some rich, powerful businessman like Bill Gates? By definition, a hero is someone you look up to, admire...someone you’d like to meet, or get to know or model yourself after. Usually, it’s someone who has fame, money, power, or all three.

Think of someone you’d call a HERO. Does that person really DESERVE all the attention, respect, wealth or power he or she has acquired. Is the person whom you’ve selected a, real hero or a fake? Here’s how to find out.

Researchers studying how to separate those who are genuine heroes from those who aren’t list these characteristics of “the real thing”:

COURAGE AND STRENGTH:
This does not necessarily mean brute force, physical strength like a boxer or wrestler or professional sport s player. It means the ability to stay “cool” even when facing the worst situations or overwhelming odds against you. In short, heroes don’t give up easily or play the “blame game”. They keep on trying and doing what needs to be done until it IS done.

HONESTY:
Real heroes don’t lie…not to other people or to themselves. Their word is their bond; they keep their promises and don’t cheat or “stretch the truth” even when doing so would make things easier for them or get them more money.

GENEROSITY:
True heroes aren’t out to just benefit themselves. They care about serving other people; watch them and you find that heroes don’t just talk the talk, which is easy, but they walk the walk, which is much harder.  They put their money and time and effort where others just put their mouths.  Heroes make a meaningful contribution to other human beings, without, “hot dogging” or bragging, but by quietly doing what they can, when and where they can.

COMMITTMENT:
Heroes are caring, loving and loyal. They fight with all they have for as long as it takes for what they believe in; they are brave in accepting defeat and humble in enjoying their victories.

RESPONSIBILITY:
REAL HEROES take full, personal responsibility for what they say and do. They don’t look around to find other people to take the heat off them or to blame for the mistakes they make.

Submit two Celebrities or Everyday Heroes who deserve to be called a hero and why.