A role model, by definition, is someone who inspires others, whose life can be envied and who people want to be. A role model has the power the influence others, to change their lifestyle and their wants and desires. Being a good role model is often setting a good example to the younger generation, though that is not always the case.
For me, a role model has the lifestyle I want, can enthuse and inspire me to do more, has clear goals and values to follow and the commitment to succeed. All these aspects combined push me on to make me be a better person. They make me want to do more, try harder, succeed and make a commitment to the life I want to lead. They make me understand the values within my own life, why I place importance on some things rather than others, and what example I want to set to others.
Some of the aspects of role models that inspire me:
- Confidence. A good role model project confidence and are confident with their own life choices. They know that they are doing well, and confidence makes a more happy, content person. If someone is confident with their own abilities, to more likely you are to trust that person, and follow their advice. I’m definitely working on this one; even if I don’t feel confident, I try to appear confident!
- Integrity. A good role model sticks to what they know and tell the truth. Being deceitful and sneaky are not qualities people want to live by, instead they are inspired by honesty, consistency and respectfulness.
- Hardworking. 99% of the people who are successful and live good, meaningful lives are hardworking. They didn’t get to where they are today without putting in the hours and graft to get there. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule but most of the time, success comes with hard work and perseverance.
- Influential. Even if the person you admire and inspires you doesn’t know that, they are influential in the way they conduct themselves. If one person influences you to do better, to challenge your beliefs to make them better, then they’re influential.
- Positive attitude. Everybody has bad days, even those people who seem to have the “perfect” life. But, what sets ordinary people and inspiring people apart is their attitude to the ups and downs. Yes, the going might be tough at times, but a positive attitude and creative solutions to a problem can be a good morale booster.
- Open about strengths and weaknesses. Again, this links to the “perfect” life image, and how this is unrealistic for everyone. Even those at the top of their game have weaknesses, and some people who I admire are very open about their strengths, but also their weaknesses, and how they have overcome certain difficulties in their lives through determination. Weaknesses are not something to be embarrassed about and can make you a stronger person.
- Resilience. Not everything comes easily to people and resilience is such a good trait to have. To try again and again, until you succeed can sometimes be a hard task, but is a key to success, especially in the long term. Again, I am working on this, as I can sometimes give up when the going gets tough. Not often, but sometimes!
Celebrities are an obvious example as role models, both good and bad. Those who set a good example and lead a good, fulfilling life who are not engulfed by the celebrity lifestyle are bound to inspire others, for others want to be like them, look like them, have their bank accounts and their lifestyle. Of course, the other side of the coin are celebrities who are bad role models. Those who fall in the trap of being a celebrity, who are tempted by trappings that fame brings them, are considered bad role models.
Should you accept being a role model? I’d say so. I would be thrilled to be someone’s role model, to inspire someone to change their lives, live in a certain way, explore their talents and to lead a fulfilling life. How amazing would that be? Of course, the easiest way to do this is the lead by example. I’m learning to live my life the way I want, not the way society dictates. There are certain rules still to abide by, but I am no longer swayed by consumerism like I once was. Yes, I like to buy things, I like to have “nice” things, but I appreciate objects more.
Role models make me be a better person. They enable me and inspire me to lead a better life. And I thank them for it.
Who is your role model? Why do they inspire you?
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My top role model has always been and will always be my mom. Since I’ve started blogging though, I’ve found myself looking up to a lot of bloggers who have changed their whole life by dedicating themselves to their blogs and sharing their stories.
Not only do they get to help people, but they get to spend their days doing something they love and are passionate about. To me, that’s very inspiring.
Now that I’m a mom I have to remember that I’m now a defacto role model and someone is always watching.
I think you make a great role model!
A great role model for me is my mom. She is so hardworking and has done so much for me! Carrie from Careful Cents is also a role model and mentor to me. I hope I can fill that role for someone else someday too!