On Role Models
Recognize and Achieve Greatness
Note: Originally published on my old blog in July, 2013.
Part 1:
Why You Should Have a Role Model
High schoolers are faced with several important questions that they are expected to answer. What college will I go to, if any? What will I major in? What career will I pursue? What classes will I take next year? Am I making the right choices? What’s the point?
Who am I?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when me think about these inquiries that are a constant murmur at the back of our minds. It’s understandable to feel that the answers to these questions are beyond you.
The answers to these questions lie in role models.
I have been compelled to write a series of articles about role models because of the profound impact I know positive role models have had on my life. Today, I am the culmination of all of the people I have consciously chosen to model myself after.
3 Reasons Why You Should Have a Role Model
- Role models are a source of guidance by their very definition.
If you have trouble answering the questions detailed at the start of this post then you should turn to a role model. Investigate how they came about trying to answer the same questions you are struggling with today and then follow that person’s same path. If the role model is someone you know, talk to them. - Role models cause you to push yourself.
The best types of role models are people who you have great respect for and who you would be horrified to disappoint. I have been in situations when I could have taken the easy way out of a situation, but I chose to instead take the greatest pains trying my hardest in my pursuit. Why? Because I wanted the people I looked up to to be proud of me. - Role models are a constant source of hope.
The role model(s) you select should be your ultimate vision of what it means to be a successful individual. If they can do it–why can’t you?
Part 2:
The Three Types of Role Models
I have decided to break the types of role models there are into three sections based on how effective I feel they are– Type 3 being the least effective, Type 1 being the most effective. However, it is beneficial to have at least one of each type because they each bring specific advantages. Despite there being multiple types of role models all role models should have certain traits in common:
- They must represent what you define as success.
- In trying to embody your role model, you should become a better person.
- You should feel an attachment or loyalty towards either the role model or the ideals that the role model represents (especially true for a Type 1 role model). This loyalty should be derived from deep-seated respect.
Type 3:
People you will likely never meet.
The Benefits: This type’s ideals/positive personality traits will shine through and it will be easier to filter out possible negative aspects. This becomes an advantage because it is easier to look at someone you have never and likely will never meet with heightened objectivity.
The Disadvantages: It is hardest to gain the feeling of attachment or loyalty in this type of role model. If you never have an opportunity to converse with your role model you are less likely to form an emotional bond. This becomes problematic because it is often times that bond which will spur us into action.
Examples: Celebrities, Historical Figures, Fictional Characters
Type 2:
People you have the ability to interact with, are usually acquaintances with, and are (slightly) ahead of you in their position in life.
The Benefits: This type of role model is not hard to find, especially while you are in school. They are the club presidents, team captains, performing arts stars or leaders in some other area. Not only are they not hard to find but they are the easy to approach–which makes it easier to ask how they became successful.
The Disadvantages: While this type may be good at demonstrating character or leadership traits, the ideals or life philosophy that he/she may hold might not yet be fully developed yet. Also, the loyalty you feel towards your type 2 role model may be limited.
Examples: Upperclassmen, (people around 2-5 years older than you), Student Leaders
Type 1:
People you are close to or have the potential to become very close to, and have developed both his/her character and ideals.
The Benefits: This type will have the most profound influence on your life. Your loyalty to a Type 1 role model is that you would follow them to the ends of this earth if asked to without need for any explanation at all–your trust would run that deep. The level of emotional attachment will spur you into action of becoming your best self, not just for you but to also impress and live up to the expectations of your Type 1 role model.
The Disadvantages: No one is perfect. Everyone has a bad day sometimes and may say or do things they regret. If any negative comment is directed towards you it will bother you. The best way of preventing such instances from occurring is to indicate that your role model does have influence over you.
Examples: Relatives, Teachers, Friends of the family, Coaches, Directors, Mentors of some kind
Part 3:
Becoming a Role Model
While learning from the role models you have selected, take the opportunity to become a role model yourself. Being a positive role model is something that is easier said than done, and in some cases is not even an option. As you grow older, there will be someone looking up to you who you may not even be aware of. You can choose to dismiss that fact–or you can choose to boldly become someone worth following. In order to become a positive role model you must have at least one of three characteristics:
- You possess a certain skill or talent.
In the context of high school, such talents may be but are not limited to, proficiency in the performing or visual arts, athletics, or academics. The next step is to contribute. Use your skills to better an organization you are a part of and teach them to others. - You have admirable character traits and principles.
If you can stick by who you are, even in the face of adversity, then you have the potential to be a stellar role model. It is when you are challenged that others will look to you and see how you react. Be aware of your responsibility to stand by who you are. - You stand for something.
Those who live by a certain guiding philosophy or are living with a purpose radiate success and deeper happiness. Having something you believe in will not only make decision making easier (because you have a purpose that you can always reference) but will also make you an ideal role model.
As you follow your role models, know that there are eyes on you as well. Know that you are influential and it is up to you what kind of message you send. Know that you have the power to make a positive change in someone–an through knowing become driven to be the best example possible.
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