Where Are the Role Models?

Does Everyone Have a Role Model at a Crucial Stage in Life?

Sam Parks
3 min readDec 2, 2023
Photo by Humberto Portillo on Unsplash

Typically, when you look for role models, you want someone who has your interests and came from the same background. Well, look how restricting that is. What people should do is take role models a la carte. If there’s someone whose character you appreciated, you respect that trait.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Are There Other Options?

In life, it is not guaranteed that everyone will have a role model to look up to during crucial stages. However, having a role model can greatly shape a person’s development by providing guidance, inspiration, and direction. Role models can come from various areas such as family, teachers, coaches, public figures, or even fictional characters.

Nevertheless, the absence of a specific role model does not indicate a lack of guidance, inspiration, or potential for personal growth. There are alternative options and strategies available to those without a role model.

Firstly, engaging in self-reflection and developing self-awareness can be transformative. By understanding our values, strengths, and goals, we empower ourselves to forge our unique path and become our own role model.

Secondly, mentors and advisors, while different from traditional role models, still offer valuable guidance and support. Through their wisdom, advice, and shared experiences, they can inspire us and assist us in navigating life’s challenges.

Moreover, rather than relying on a single role model, we can draw inspiration from diverse sources. We have the freedom to admire different qualities or achievements in multiple individuals, find motivation in the lives of historical figures, or seek inspiration in literature, art, and various other forms of media.

Additionally, prioritizing our own personal values and principles serves as a compass for decision-making and behavior. By establishing our core values and ethical principles, we consciously strive to embody the qualities we admire, becoming our own role models in essence.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

Engage with a Supportive Community

Engaging with a supportive community can significantly impact one’s well-being and personal development. Whether it’s in person or online, finding a community that shares similar interests, values, or goals can provide encouragement, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging. Here are some specific steps to effectively engage with a supportive community:

  1. Identify Your Interests

2. Research and Explore

3. Attend Events and Gatherings

4. Join Online Communities

5. Participate Actively

6. Seek Mentors and Role Models

7. Offer Support

8. Share Your Experiences

9. Embrace Diversity

10. Build Meaningful Relationships

11. Contribute Positively

12. Seek Help When Needed

Finding a supportive community is transformative as they connect with like-minded individuals who share their passions, goals, and values.

Conclusion

Ultimately, not having a specific role model does not hinder personal growth. There are alternative paths to guidance, inspiration, and direction. By embracing our individuality and striving to embody the qualities we admire, we can forge our own unique paths toward personal growth and become our own role models.

Lastly, seeking support from a community or peer group can provide a sense of belonging, encouragement, and shared experiences. By building relationships with like-minded individuals who share our goals and aspirations, we create a network of mutual inspiration and accountability.

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Sam Parks

Mindful Moments of Wisdom for Personal Transformation