Who is your role model?

Who is your role model? Role models can inspire us to improve our personal and professional lives. They teach us how to behave or think. They might be a parent, grandparent, teacher, or a friend. Perhaps they are a celebrity or sports figures. Your role models will often inspire you to feel confident and optimistic. But even heroes make mistakes in their lives. We can learn from them by not only looking at what they do right but by looking at how they have overcome adversity to achieve success. Role models encounter the same life lessons that you and I do. More often than not, your role models had to deal with tough times in their lives, or they may have needed to deal with their own demons to become who they are today. It’s how they handle adversity that makes them a hero and a role model to those around them. Whether you realize this or not, you are likely inspiring someone else in your life. Starting today, pretend that you are somebody’s role model, and they are always watching because maybe they are.

Something to Think About
You might be surprised at who looks up to you for inspiration and guidance and who thinks of you as a role model. Every person has something they excel in that others may look up to. Every person has something of value to teach to others. Children often look up to adults, whether we realize it or not. You may be setting an example without your own awareness. Those you work with might find inspiration in the way you handle adversity. By aspiring to be more like your role models, you can be a better role model for others. You never know who is watching and imitating your behavior. Make the example that you set a good one to inspire others to make the world a better place.

Weekly Activity
You may not have given much thought to the people that you admire. Take some time to reflect on who you look up to and why. Then, you can begin to adopt some of their behaviors and characteristics into your life.

Words of Wisdom
“A role model should be like the light at the end of a tunnel, guiding you when you are lost.” – Cristina Imre

“Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.” – Unknown

“Each person must live their life as a role model for others.” – Rosa Parks

“My role model didn’t tell me; he showed me.” – Anonymous

“When you see a role model, what you see is a person who has the courage to be who you wish you could be. Stop wishing and just be.” – Anonymous