Finding Excalibur

Many fictional heroes and heroines possess a signature weapon or tool. They are identified by this item, and use it to accomplish their heroic feats. Here are some heroes and the objects they wield:

• Captain America’s shield

• Wonder Woman’s magic lasso

• Green Lantern’s ring

• Katniss Everdeen’s bow and arrow

• Thor’s mythical hammer, Mjolnir

• Spider-man’s web shooters

• Ahsoka Tano’s twin lightsabers

• Indiana Jones’s whip

• Daredevil’s cane and billy club

• Hermione Granger’s wand

• And the list goes on…

According to medieval legend, Arthur pulls the sword Excalibur from a stone, signifying he is the rightful king of England. Prior to this life-altering moment, Arthur spent his life as a squire and stable boy—at least in the Disney retelling of the tale, The Sword in the Stone. He was just going about his daily business, unaware of his true identity, and who he was destined to become.

But, once he discovers his signature weapon, Arthur goes on to form the Knights of the Roundtable, an order of noble warriors dedicated to heroic deeds and defeating the forces of evil.

Finding Excalibur was Arthur’s call to adventure. At that moment, he had the choice to accept his destiny and all that was to follow, or retreat back into the relative safety of chores on the farm.

Then, with the help of his guide and mentor, Merlin, Arthur leaves his previous world behind and crosses the threshold into legend.

The heroes we love never seem to force their version of Excalibur. Their weapon or tool or object feels natural to them. It aligns with their values and worldview. It is an extension of who they are. Captain America, defender of freedom, symbolically wields a shield. He would never use a tool of destruction to achieve his peaceful aims. That would be out of character.

Obviously, you and I cannot walk around in modern society swinging a sword without being sent to prison or a mental health facility. And sadly, magic rings and web shooters don’t exist yet.

Instead, we are looking for our metaphorical Excalibur.

Comedian and talkshow host, Steve Harvey, claims the fastest path to success is to identify your God-given gift, and work to become great at that thing. He believes every person is given a gift at birth—a divine endowment from our creator to be used to better our own lives and the lives of those around us.

He defines your gift as, “the thing you do the absolute best with the least amount of effort.” In other words, that signature thing that you do naturally better than most.

I’ve always been really good at drawing—better than most—for as long as I can remember. It comes very natural to me. It is a gift. It is my Excalibur.

Your gift can take many forms, beyond singing, dancing, art, or athletics. Gifts can show up as being an excellent listener, an imaginative chef, a loving caregiver, or a trusted auto mechanic. The different ways that gifts can manifest is as numerous as there are people walking the planet.

One more thought about doing what comes naturally. Often, there is a resistance to accepting our gift. We look around at other people and wish their gifts were ours. Personally, I think it would be awesome to be able to play guitar like Eric Clapton or dunk a basketball like Kobe Bryant. Alas, that is not my destiny.

My destiny is not to become the next Stan Lee or Ernest Hemingway; it is to become the best version of me. Uniquely, unequivocally me. The same goes for you.

Heartbreakingly, the world is filled with the shattered dreams of people trying to be something, or someone, they are not. While I support everyone pursuing their wildest dreams in earnest, I would caution them to do so in sincere alignment with their truth.

Your life will transform—almost magically—when you discover and embrace your personal Excalibur and become who you are destined to be.

If you could use some help identifying your Excalibur and living into your gifts, visit my About page to learn how to work with me 1:1 as your guide and life coach.