“People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy.”
–Oliver Goldsmith
Is Superman in the building?
Okay Superman is a bit much, I admit, but where are the good role models for us to follow? And, just as important, how do we become good role models for others?
Role models are human reference points for us to follow. Not copy. Not become an exact replica of, but follow. They are people ahead of us on the road that light the way. People we respect that hold the same values and are living life in a brave, upright, healthy way.
If you doubt the power of a role model think back to a really outstanding (or exceptionally terrible) teacher you had growing up. Do you remember anything good (or bad) they did or said that helped form the person you are today?
Not only do we need role models in our lives, but we also need to live in such a way that we can be role models to others. If you have children, being a role model is not an option. It comes with the job. Our children watch everything we say and do. Nothing escapes them. Whether good or bad, we are the first role models they ever have.
How do you become a good role model? Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
1. WATCH your actions. Others are.
2. BE HONEST with yourself. How can you become a better person?
3. REPAIR yourself. Get rid of those less than stellar problems and habits that you have.
4. SHINE. Let your good stuff show.
5. PUT YOUR HEART into it. Do your best at whatever you do and therefore inspire others to give 100% to life.
What kind of role models did you have growing up? What kind do you have now? Take stock of your current life and see if you need to search out new role models to emulate.
Here are some things to look for when considering a new role model:
1. Do they seem to have confidence in their own abilities?
2. Do they celebrate people as unique and special?
3. Do they interact well with others and take time to communicate?
4. Do they live their life according to the standards you believe important?
5. Do they spend time making the world a better place?
Never underestimate the need for a good role model in your life, nor the power of your example in the lives of others.
“Learn from the mistakes of others—you can’t live long enough to make all of them yourself.â€
–Martin Vanbee
January 11th, 2010 at 4:13 am
Thank you! Yes, blogs are great! Yours is too!
January 13th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Thank you so much, there aren’t enough posts on this… keep up the good work
September 27th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
Hi Linda!
I totally agree with you. My greatest role model in my life is myself and my loving parents, there are one of a kind persons. The image of my parents is my image too, that’s why I myself is my role model as well.
Amelia Murphy recently posted..Used Cars Values
September 27th, 2011 at 7:10 pm
Amelia,
I love it! You’d like my post http://lindagraceonline.com/?s=fall+in+love+with+yourself&x=0&y=0&=Go ~ it looks like you’re already there!
Linda
January 27th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Great information, Thank you so much… keep up the great work.
January 30th, 2010 at 4:27 am
Great post! Thank you so much for all you do, i’ll keep reading.
June 9th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
My role model has always been myself, because by existing and believing in what I am, I have evolved into who I am today. Another tip to add, is to always be accepting of who you are, and where you in different phases and experiences in your life. I think this is the ultimate truth and lesson, as with acceptance all else follows naturally.
Ana Goncalves recently posted..Miracle is you
June 10th, 2010 at 6:44 am
Thank you Ana! I’m anxious to read your ‘miracle is you’ post!
February 3rd, 2011 at 3:46 am
Hello Linda,
This is a very good article on self-esteem. I believe we are all effected by 5 factors which has a bearing on our self-esteem. Those factors are our environment, the events in our lives, our knowledge, the results in our lives and the most important our view of the future . . .Our dreams. Make sure your dreams are part of your daily activity. Dreams and then turn them into goals; however, make sure you have strong enough reasons for accomplishing your goals.
Following what successful people do is a very fundamental for having good self=esteem. If we want to be healthy, do what healthy people do. If we want to be wealthy, do what wealthy people do. If we want to be spiritual, do what spiritual people do. If we want to be poor, do what poor people do. If we want to be successful, do what successful people do.
Go out and make today the best day ever!
Lloyd Dobson
Lloyd Dobson recently posted..Can You Increase Your YouTube Video and Channel Viewers Fast How To Increase Your YouTube Video Views In 5 Steps
February 3rd, 2011 at 6:00 am
Lloyd,
Thank you for saying so! I love it to hear confirmation of what I believe with my whole heart!
Linda
February 3rd, 2011 at 10:33 am
Wonderful Post Linda!!!
For a while I was in a rut & felt sorry for myself, thinking at 55 & semi retired my best days were behind me….well in the last several months I have woken up to My DREAM & Desire to help others thru my gifts & talents.
Before I saw my 2 granddaughters (3 & 6 yrs. of age) who live with us in our small home as a trial & cross to bare….TODAY I see them as Young Hearts & Minds That we can shape & Mold to change the world with their special gifts…I am so Grateful for the opportunity GOD is giving us daily to be Role Models for them!! My name Matthew Literally means Gift,,,I want to be a Gift for good poured out & opened up By my Granddaughters.
Linda,,,I am taking your 2 lists here, copying them off & posting them above my desk to view daily. Thank you for your timely words…It was timely for me.
Matt the ‘Gift’ Geib
February 3rd, 2011 at 10:49 am
Matthew,
It is nice to meet you! I am so excited that you have discovered the great gift that you’ve been given and that you are!!! I excited to get over to matthewsmatters and get to know you more! I’m glad my ‘lists’ could be of help to you! I raised my kids on “Parenting with Love and Logic” by Cline and Fey. I wish I could be an affiliate marketer for them, unfortunately affiliates aren’t a part of their marketing! I highly suggest you get their talk tapes or books to aide in raising your grandchildren. They give you skills that will help you through every age! you can find them here: http://www.loveandlogic.com/ I look forward to getting to know you!
Linda
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:22 am
I try to become one, and it’s a tough job. You’re right, it starts with parenting. Because parents are the first people that a kid looks up to. And as they grow older their role models switches to celebrities, and that is a lot of pressure to put on celebrities. Most of them can’t even be themselves when they are out in public, with all the cameras and people. Very tough world.
Dennis DeSouza@bird rock homes recently posted..Take Care when buying in the La Jolla and Rancho Santa Fe Housing Market
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:11 am
Dennis,
Yes, being a parent is a great responsibility! I take it you are one?
Linda
October 10th, 2011 at 2:02 am
Hello Linda!
I agree with your post. My greatest role model will always be Jesus. He is just perfect. It is in Him that I find the comfort and strength that I need to face each day of my life. I wanted people to feel secured with me too. I know I that I am far from perfection, but I will always try my best to bring Jesus to everyone.
Thanks for the post again! May He bless you!
October 11th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
Mark,
I’m with you, Jesus is my ultimate role model!
May he bless you, too!
Linda
October 11th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Role Models in my life first of all is God, he is truly my great role model I’ve ever known. Second, is my parents because they raise me as better person and lastly my friends and special someone.
October 13th, 2011 at 10:05 am
Kate,
I’m happy for you to have such wonderful role models in your life! I bet you’re a great role model for others!
Linda