Our Human Superpowers

By Erin  Newton

As human beings, we cannot control many of life’s outcomes. We certainly don’t have the power to change people. And in the bigger picture, it is entirely out of our span of control to change the weather, the tides or the way the wind blows. However, believe me when I say that we have unique superpowers.

And no, I’m not talking about the power of imagination.

1. The (super)power of silence
2. The (super)power of free will
3. The (super)power to protect your energy

Let’s begin with the (super)power of silence.

On Saturday, June 28, 2025, I attended The Catholic News’ Business Conference. Hidden (not-so-hidden) within the day’s packed programme was the Panel Discussion titled ‘Living Out Christian values in a Secular World’.

Journalist Ryan Bachoo reminded us that we don’t always need to respond in all situations. Sometimes silence is the best answer. And that’s what I am drawing on for this.

Silence speaks when words fail. And no words have a lot of meaning.

It lays down space for people to think and it creates a boundary. This is not to say that silence is always the answer. Today, I want to remind you that on many occasions, we are usually too quick to reply and too quick to speak before we think. And though sometimes we think of what we say before we say it, our thought processes are along the lines of  ‘how should I say this’ rather than ‘should this even be said?’.

Practical take away: Before we respond in our circumstances, let us take a moment to see if silence is what is needed best in the context.

The second (super)power that I’m bringing to your attention today is the (super)power of free will.

Don’t underestimate the power of choice. When it comes down to the moments, ultimately, we can choose how we spend our time and what we do. I know you’re probably thinking “but I have a job” or “but I have kids/parents to look after” and yes, yes you do. But that doesn’t take away your (super)power.

Within our life, we have opportunities and limitations. We can either reach beyond what we have or be confined to our spaces. Ultimately, it’s all up to us to choose and see within and outside the lines. Sometimes, to activate this power we must view the situation differently but the choice is always there, hidden or in the open.

Practical take away: We have the power to choose, don’t stay confined to the box—view situations differently and be intentional about your choices.

Lastly, I’ll talk about the (super)power of protecting your energy.

Not everyone deserves to be given the energy that we possess. It’s up to us to decide who to share it with. Similar to the power of choice, it’s up to us as individuals.

We have to be mindful of all the ways our energy leaks away. Sometimes we meet a co-worker that we don’t like and they drain us a little, other times it’s just a moment of our own impatience that pulls from our energy. And sometimes it’s our own family or friends that pull a little more.

On the contrary, some of us may be energised when dealing with these situations because the adrenaline kicks in but there is always something that can drain our energy unbeknownst to us.

This is a call to take charge of your life. To sit and reflect on how you can use our energy for the best—to be fulfilled and for others (to achieve whatever purpose you were called for).

Our energy is meant to share and refill but we still have the responsibility to ourselves to protect it so that it’s not wasted because we only have so much life to live anyways.

Practical take away: Energy leakage is real, so reflect and see where your energy goes and how to protect it from being unwantedly pulled in the wrong places.

Overall, there is a long list of things we can’t control but not letting them control us is essential. Let’s use our superpowers!