I don’t just want to be brave. I want to be a hero.

Think about a kabaddi match for a second. When a player crosses the center line to enter the opponent’s side, they’re showing bravery. They’re stepping into the unknown, risking themselves to score a point for their team. But there’s this invisible line, a second line that, once crossed, means there’s no turning back in a safe, secure way. It’s the risk zone. And it’s the players who dare to cross that line, those who put themselves in harm's way, who become the true heroes of the game. They risk failure, injury, and rejection, but they do it because they know that by crossing that line, they can change the game.

That’s what I want to do. Not just be brave, but be the hero.

The Line Between Bravery and Heroism

This idea isn’t just limited to kabaddi. It's in football, ice skating, car racing—really, in any game, any competition, or any stage of life. There’s always that invisible line between bravery and heroism. The brave ones are the ones who enter the arena, who face the pressure, and who put themselves out there. But the heroes? They don’t stop at the line. They cross it. They put themselves in the risk zone where failure is a very real possibility, but so is glory.

Let’s talk about football. A player can be brave enough to take the ball, dribble through defenders, and take a shot. But the real hero? The one who has the skill, the discipline, and the courage to risk it all for a goal—that’s the player who crosses the line. The one who isn’t afraid to face the consequences. The one who takes the shot, even when everything’s on the line.

But here’s the thing: Not all brave players are heroes. Some of us might hesitate. We might be afraid to take that final step, to risk failure, to risk rejection. And when we do that, we stay on the sidelines. We stay within the safe zone, where it’s comfortable, where it’s familiar. We never step into the risk zone, and so we’re never truly heroes.

Brave vs. Hero: The Difference

I’ve realized that there’s a huge difference between being brave and being a hero. Here’s how I see it:

1. Brave People: They have the courage to step into the field, to try, to face challenges. But they hold back when it counts. They don’t push themselves beyond their comfort zone. They’re too scared to cross that invisible line because it means stepping into the unknown. They might be brave, but they’ll never be heroes.

2. Heroes: The real heroes have the skills, the courage, and the willingness to take big risks. They cross that line. They own their mistakes and take responsibility for their failures. And more importantly, they learn from their experiences and keep moving forward. They’re the ones who change the game, who inspire others, who make things happen. They risk it all because they believe that the reward is worth it.

I want to be a hero, not just brave. I don’t want to stand on the sidelines anymore, being content with my little wins. I want to be the one who crosses that line. I want to take the risks, face the challenges, and grow beyond what I thought was possible.

The Reality of Risking Without Skills vs. Risking With Skills

I’ll admit, there are times when I’ve hesitated to take risks because I wasn’t sure if I was ready. There are others who take risks without any skills or experience, and that doesn’t end well. They’re the ones who go for the goal without any real strategy, without the right preparation. They’re like the players who go it alone, who don’t think about the bigger picture or work with the team.

And let’s be real, those kinds of players aren’t heroes. They’re reckless. They might be brave, but they’re solo players, not team players. They make impulsive decisions, and they hurt their own game.

But then there are the true heroes—the ones who take the risks because they’ve developed their skills, because they’ve prepared themselves to succeed. They’re the ones who make the difference. They have the courage to cross that line, and when they do, the entire game changes.

Crossing the Invisible Line in Life

For me, this isn’t just about sports. This is about life. And especially about business—being a wellness coach, working in the wellness community, helping people transform their lives. Some of us are brave, but we’re still stuck in the comfort zone, doing what we know, staying in the safe space. We’ve stepped out of our old job or routine, but we haven’t yet crossed the invisible line that leads to true growth.

There’s a difference between just being brave enough to take the leap and actually risking everything to grow. It’s not enough to say, “I’m doing this.” I need to step into that risk zone—the place where there’s no going back. The place where failure is possible, but so is success.

What does crossing the line mean?

1. Don’t Make Your Job Your Growth Path: I used to think that being successful in a job was the ultimate goal. But the truth is, your job can never be your growth path. I don’t want to be someone who just takes pride in my salary or position. Jobs are comfortable, but true growth lies in the unknown, outside the safety net. Have I truly gone beyond my job for real growth?

2. Take Responsibility for Results: This is huge for me. If I want to be a hero, I have to own my results, whether they’re good or bad. I need to take more responsibility, do more than what’s expected, and stop looking for shortcuts or easy ways out. I have to put in the hard work, the long hours, the uncomfortable moments. That’s how I cross the line.

3. Stop Bargaining for Deals: Heroes don’t worry about small stuff. They’ve crossed the line to the point where the little things—like negotiating deals or getting caught up in petty struggles—are beneath them. They’ve risen above the small wins to focus on the big picture, on the long-term impact.

Dare to Be a Hero

Some of you are in the same boat as I was. You’re brave, but you’re holding back. You’re afraid to take that final step. But here’s the thing: Daring is what separates the brave from the heroes. Just like Spider-Man, who risks his life every time he swings into action, I have to risk it all to make something happen.

So, I ask you: What’s your invisible line? What’s the place where you feel brave, but you haven’t yet stepped into the risk zone? That’s the line you need to cross. And trust me, the heroes are the ones who keep crossing it.

You’ve got the skills. Now it’s time to risk. It’s time to grow. It’s time to be a hero.