Sparkle Schoolhouse

How to Be Super: Step Four — Tell No One

We have reached the final step of the Prime Power Protocol. You have paid attention and kept your eyes open. You have opened your heart and believed what was happening. You did something brave and found your powers. And now – the fourth protocol.

This fourth protocol is the one that turns the other three upside down. It is the most personal, reflective, and authentic of the Prime Power Protocols in that it asks the question “Why?” Why have superpowers? Why use them? Why are you using them?

On its surface, “Tell No One” is about silence. Don’t tell anyone about what happened. Don’t tell anyone about what you saw. Don’t tell anyone about how you responded. All of these indications are valid, but they only scratch the surface of the fourth protocol. If the first protocol is about awareness, the second protocol is about connection and commitment, and the third protocol is about action and the discovery of one’s true power – then the fourth protocol shines light on the truth of it all.

From another direction, the fourth protocol is where the danger lies. The first three protocols will yield powers – you will become powerful and be capable of great things. But you will not be a superhero until you follow the fourth protocol. For if you do not, you run the serious risk of becoming a Rogue. Rogues are baddies. To be a Rogue is to use what you have for a singular purpose – to serve yourself. You want money, you want to be desired, you want to be exalted, you want to be the best, strongest, fastest, coolest. All of these impulses remove you from your world, remove you from your friends and loved ones, remove you from a sense of place, purpose, and meaning. Rogues are alone.

To ensure that you become a true superhero rather than a lonely Rogue, you must “tell no one.” This does not mean that you can’t talk about what you can do or what you have done. It just asks why you feel that you need to talk. Are you bragging? Are you trying to impress someone or manipulate him or her? If the answer is yes, well then – you should keep your mouth shut. But if you are speaking out of a deep interest in helping someone – out of empathy and humility, then go for it.

You’ll know when you’ve broken the fourth protocol because you will feel tight, resentful, and even a little sick. You will start to rationalize and judge. You will start to go backwards. And your superpowers will diminish or disappear.

This is important, folks. We’ll talk more about Rogues next week – but for now, know that “with great power comes great responsibility.” Your powers are yours to use as a privilege. A gift. A responsibility.

So go forth, Brave Superheroes! Go on missions. Save communities. Throw yourself fully into your new life – for truly, it's not only good work – but it is so fun!

• Read How to be Super: Step Three — Do Something Brave
• Read How to Be Super:Step Two — Believe It
• Read How to Be Super: Step One — Keep Your Eyes Open

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