Owning the Spotlight - Your Wellbeing Right!

Let’s talk about this thing people like to throw around these days: “main character syndrome.” You know, the idea that someone’s acting like the star of the show, as if the world revolves around them. Sure, in some cases, it might mean someone’s being a little too self-centred. But let’s flip that idea on its head for a second, because here’s the thing: this is your life. Who else should be the main character?

Think about it—if your life were a movie, you’d be the one the camera follows. You’re the one navigating plot twists, facing challenges, and figuring out what makes you happy. You’re the one who has to show up, day after day, in every single scene. So why shouldn’t you embrace that role? Being the main character doesn’t mean hogging the spotlight or stealing someone else’s thunder. The best main characters—the ones we root for in books and movies—know how to balance their journey with the stories of those around them.

Let’s break it down. The main character:

• Knows their worth. They don’t shrink themselves to make others comfortable. They stand tall, even when it’s hard, because they understand their value.

• Knows when to step back. They recognize that their story isn’t the only one that matters. They cheer for their friends, support their loved ones, and know when to let someone else have their moment.

• Takes risks. Main characters make bold choices. Sure, they might stumble or fail, but they keep going because they know growth only happens when you’re willing to take the leap.

• Learns and grows. They aren’t perfect—and that’s the point. Main characters mess up, learn lessons, and come out stronger on the other side.

Now, imagine what happens if you don’t step into that role. If you spend your life playing a side character in someone else’s story, letting others dictate your decisions, or shrinking yourself to fit into the background. That movie? It gets pretty dull. The story loses its heart because the star isn’t fully showing up.

But here’s the most important thing: the best main characters aren’t self-centred. They’re self-aware. They know how to hold space for others, how to share the screen when someone else’s story takes centre stage for a while. And that’s the balance—being the main character in your own life doesn’t mean it’s all about you. It means showing up authentically, taking charge of your journey, and lifting others up along the way.

So, if someone accuses you of having “main character syndrome,” maybe it’s not such a bad thing. You’re owning your story, navigating your challenges, and creating moments worth remembering. Just remember to be the kind of main character people cheer for—the one who knows when to shine and when to step back so others can shine too.

Because at the end of the day, this is your life. Be the main character. Who else is going to be?