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2005/02/21, 11:08 AM
8 things you can learn from an action heroine
1) Fight for what you believe in.
Ever notice that action heroines never age a day (That’s right - in the real world, Batgirl would be collecting Social Security benefits). This eternal youth may stem from standing up for convictions. people who are passionate about issues have a more optimistic outlook, which research shows can help you stay healthier and live longer. “Activists are inherently more positive because they believe they make a difference.” says Joseph Mancusi, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and author of Conversations on success (Insight 2004)
2) Be Resourceful.
Whether she’s scaling a slime-covered wall or using her feline wiles to ensnare Batman, Catwoman taps into her strengths. make a list of your assets - Are you diplomatic? Persuasive? - and use it when you feel trapped, says Angie Speranza, a NYC-based life coach and founder of NYC Exhale: Center for positive Living. “You’ll realize you already possess all the tools you need.”
3) Always have a plan B.
Xena the Warrior Princess is never one to panic - not even when she and sidekick Gabrielle are chained to a cave wall. Why? Because she always has a backup strategy. “When things seem out of control, step back and focus on what you can do rather than on what went wrong,” says Helene G. Brenner, PhD, psychologist and author of I Know I’m in There Somewhere (Gotham, 2004)
4) Don’t rest on your laurels.
Even Buffy the vampire Slayer, who had otherworldly powers bestowed upon her, logged hours of combat training so she could continue fending off her foes. the minute you start feeling comfortable, challenge yourself - anyone for a new language or a butt-kicking martial arts class?
5)Get a signature look.
Where would Wonder Woman be without her gold cuffs, or the Powerpuff girls without their brightly colored dresses? Standing in the checkout line at a mainstream clothier with the rest of us, we imagine.
6) Know your enemies.
Lara Croft does her homework in order to figure out her villain’s motives. “In any conflict, there are two realities at play - yours and that of your adversary,” explains Speranza. “gaining insight into the other person’s behavior helps you approach confrontation more effectively.”
7) Don’t be afraid of your own strength.
Max Guevera (Dark Angel) is proof that athletic prowess and femininity aren’t mutually exclusive. Keep up those weight-training sessions - you may land yourself a superman in the process.
8) Tap into your inner vixen.
Buttoned up by day, Supergirl easily transforms herself into a seductress who battles the bad guys. To look sexy in a snap, celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes suggests a peachy-pink sheer gloss (for a passionate pout), black mascara (the better to bat your eyes and distract your enemies with) and bronzer (imparts a sultry glow).
Article from Fitness magazine, author Amy Fishbein
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