I think it means look within yourself to identify the person/hero. Many people’s own personalities are modeled after images and actions they view in the media (books, movies, magazines, celebrities, etc). Rather than consider protagonists they view in the media, to be considered a unique person, be your own protagonist, and demonstrate your uniqueness in your own life.

The role of protagonists in how we identify ourselves only gets stronger with the increasing media. The path to true change is changing our own behaviors and making a difference in our own life. Rather than trying to envision we are a character who’s challenges are similar to our own. I think fantasizing we are this protagonist eases the reality we sometimes face and makes our own lives more exciting. I don’t think fantasizing about being protagonists is a really bad thing just something that can be abused. I would speculate (really speculate…) that our brain automatically tunes to some of these stories to avoid the boredom and lack of creativity that sometimes surround us.

-Mike