There are many reasons why people choose their role models – they can be influential or inspirational or just someone who seems to be a good person. There’s a role model for everyone; you don’t have to look far to find one. Your role model can be a man, a woman, someone older than you, or a young person. Here are some examples of role models:
Family Members Are Often Our First Role Models
It’s no secret that family members are often our first role models. If you grew up with a parent who was kind or friendly to others, you might remember how they treated others as a child and want to emulate that behavior as an adult.
If You Had Parents Who Worked Hard and Always Put Their Family First, Those Traits Might Have Inspired You to Do the Same
But sometimes it’s hard to know if your parents are your true role models – or if you’re just trying to make them out to be more than they’re.
Sometimes parents are not always positive role models, and it’s not even clear what makes someone a good role model in the first place. If you’re looking for someone willing to share their values with you so they can help you make decisions as an adult, it’s essential to understand what makes an ideal role model.
When You’re a Child, Your Parents Are Supposed to Be Your Role Models
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work out that way. Maybe your parents are too busy with their own lives, or they’ve personal issues that make it hard for them to relate to you. Or they just aren’t good role models – they may not treat you with respect or believe in the same things you do.
If this sounds like your situation, don’t worry! You don’t have to give up on finding a good role model.
Some Friends Can Be Great at Role Modeling
Whether it’s your best friend, a distant family member, or a colleague, one of your closest relationships can serve as an effective role model.
If you’re lucky enough to have someone in your life whose qualities you admire, this person can become your positive role model.
For example, if one of your friends always handles difficult situations with grace and good morals, you may ask her how she does it. Then you could use that knowledge as inspiration when facing something similar in your life.
A good friend always has a sympathetic ear and sound advice, whether a friend you met as a child, in high school or later in life.
For Some People, Role Models Come Later in Life
Maybe a teacher made you feel like anything was possible and inspired you to pursue your dreams.
Maybe you had a colleague who worked hard and showed you how to be dedicated and passionate about their work. Or maybe there was a coach or mentor who made you who you’re today.
Whatever circumstances led to you meeting your role model, it likely impacted your life – and not just because it helped you go to college or get a great job. That impact can be much more significant than that! It can make the difference between being happy with yourself, feeling like an imposter with no business being here, or believing that anything is possible if you work hard enough. If this sounds familiar, chances are you’re that person to someone else right now!
A Community Leader Is Also a Common Choice
When you join a community, chances are the community leader is someone you can learn from. If they’ve been around for a while, they’ve learned much about the industry, field, or niche.
They’ve also seen what works and doesn’t for people trying to succeed in their market. Even if you don’t want to emulate their personal style, knowing how other people go about their daily lives is still valuable.
It can also be helpful to know which members are successful in that area:
- What personality traits do they seem to have?
- Are they more extroverted or introverted?
- Are they more creatively or analytically inclined?
- Do they approach things with optimism or pessimism?
- What’s their background?
- Do they have the positive qualities I’m looking for?
These questions can help you find your own approach and give insight into what others have done successfully in this area.
Many People Choose a Celebrity as a Role Model
Celebrities are admired because they’ve achieved something that we’ve not.
A celebrity is often the perfect role model for people because they’re successful, whether in a leadership position like Richard Branson or Steve Jobs, in the world of art like Lady Gaga, or they may be a young person like Greta Thunberg, who’s been campaigning for climate change since she was in school, and gained success with many teenagers and adults.
People From History Are Fascinating
They all had unique perspectives, personalities, and lives that shaped the world around them. But what’s even more interesting is how much they all have in common.
You might think that Nelson Mandela or Mahatma Gandhi was exceptional. They both had many of the same goals: To improve the standard of living in their country, reduce poverty and inequality, and enforce equal rights for all people regardless of race or religion.
These two leaders also had many similar positive qualities: they were both committed to their goals but were also willing to compromise when necessary; they could inspire millions of people with their words and actions; they weren’t afraid to speak out against injustice, and they never gave up on their dreams of a better world for all who live in it.
One Characteristic of Theirs That I Respect Is Their Behavior When Faced With Adversity
Even though they both came from different backgrounds and led different lives, they worked tirelessly for similar goals. And that’s why today we remember them as heroes who changed history forever!
Fictional Characters Are Also a Great Way to Inspire Children and Adults
Children especially love fictional characters because they’re full of imagination. They can be anything you want them to be, which is very powerful for a child.
Adults and Teenagers Are Also Fans of Fictional Characters
Even if we didn’t have the chance to dress up as our favorite childhood characters, we still feel connected to them in one way or another.
There are many reasons why both kids and adults love fictional characters: they’re fun, they’re exciting, they’re funny, you can empathize with them (in some cases), and they make us feel special.
Role models are everywhere – you just have to know where to look for them.
You can find them in the people around you, the books you read, and even the movies you watch.
They can motivate you, help you get to know yourself better, and give you a glimpse of what it’s like to be someone who’s already achieved what you’re working towards.