The term role model generally means any “person who serves as an example, whose behavior is emulated by others. There is a little difference between role model and mentor. Role Model is one which we intend to copy – it is not essential that the person who is intended to be my role model knows about our intention or not. But the mentor knows his purpose; he takes action directly or indirectly to effect the changes in your aptitude, working, dressing etc. with or without your consent. I think mentoring is an understanding between two or more people. It is a way for people to learn from each other. Even though most think mentors are older, I think it’s a bond and no matter age, race, or gender. It’s a way for people to communicate!
Who is a Role Model?
True role models are those who possess the qualities that we would like to have and those who have affected us in a way that makes us want to be better people, to advocate for ourselves and our goals and take leadership on the issues that we believe in. We often don’t recognize our true role models until we have noticed our own personal growth and progress . . . I think that I serve as a temporary role model to my younger sister but she just doesn’t want to admit it yet. She is found to have been copying my actions many times but she does not accept plainly that she got inspiration from me.
My mother influenced me to not set limits on what I could do. She had an academic achievement in commercial art but she had to give up her idea of a career because my dad was on a touring job and we moved around a lot. I had a teacher in Junior High who inspired me to try to live up to my potential. What she did was pull me aside one day and pointed out to me that if I would apply myself a little harder I was capable of accomplishing my dreams quickly. I didn’t take her advice right then, but it gave me quite a boost and started me to thinking and paying more attention. She was a daughter of a forest ranger and shared a lot of her experiences (with her father) with her students. I was very impressed by her life. I was the new kid in school and she spent extra time with me to help me out. I was real shy and buried in books at that age. When she jumped on me for being lazy I definitely sat up and took notice. I believe the best roles models make us see the possibilities within ourselves.
Lately, I have been privileged to have some very young role models. I have been influenced by the vitality and passion that youngsters have in making their lives and the lives of others better. I find that there is so much to learn from our youth but unfortunately, we often forget that.
I believe a person has many role models in their lives. Each role model teaches a person about themselves. A role model to me is someone who not only treats me as an equal but is honest, trusting, and most of all open-minded especially in today’s society.
I think a good role model encourages me to believe I can get to where I should be. I have numerous role models, from my daughter, who reminds me what is really important in life, to my boss and dear friend, who encourages me to think and use the power of my voice and the strength of my fist. My mother has always taught me that you can be anyone or anything you want to be and my sister showed me what courage really was. You can think about yourself – who are your role models? Mention on a paper and see what inspiration you get from them individually. If not possible, go through your achievements just you made and ascertain how you had been inspired to get those achievements.
I believe people who are role models know that they are, whether they like it or not. It is their behavior that people look up to. It is their leadership qualities that others want to see and model. It is the smile that they give to others. It is the look you get.
If you are out in the community, your community, you are being looked at. All the good things you do reflect yourself and your family. Who said life was fair? We are here to take care of one another and if it means modeling healthy behavior, then someone has to do it. Go for it. This is taught to us by our parents, respected community person or other family member, etc.
To me I think a Good Role Model is a person who tells, or influences you to make the right choice in life. Like for example my mother she always tells me “you’re not going to get nowhere in life until you prove it to yourself” whatever that means. But if I didn’t have anyone like my mother to remind me everyday. . . I might be that lazy, oh lazy young boy rocking in my chair, doing nothing for myself but, getting old. But YES my mother is the greatest role model for me. Why? The answer is that she believes in everyone has a dream like Dr.King said . . . My mother a fine role model for me and my sisters.
I think role models have changed over the generations. People used to describe their role models as being people they didn’t know i.e. movie stars and athletes. Now, (evident by this discussion) people tend to find role models that are in some way or another involved in their lives. I think this is great, and it emphasizes one of my favorite sayings, “It takes a village to raise a child.”
I think the other piece about a role model that is important is that it is not just someone who you look up to or is successful, but someone who has had to go through similar struggles/ challenges as we.
I agree with everyone’s ideas about what a role model should be and what characteristics they should have, but to give someone the label of being a role model is telling them that you are, or you would like to use them as an example to young children and other people who “are not on the right track” and basically saying that you should “be like” or consider “following his/her foot steps”. What I’m getting at is we need to take the other person’s feelings into consideration for example: I would never consider myself a role model for the simple fact that I have problems of my own and I feel pressured, and I’m not perfect; it just so happens that I stumbled upon the most wonderful opportunity, and was empowered to make my own decisions in life to set my goals. I found my passion and I plan to build my future around my goals. In conclusion I would just like to encourage people to not just slap a label on anyone.
Whether you like it or not the choice you make or stumble upon make you who you are. you are making those choices, whether they are right or wrong and it doesn’t look like they are steering you in the wrong directions. I always tell people, whether you like it or not people are looking at you, for better or worse. It’s hard, but somebody’s got to do it. And when you fall, they will be there to say “I told you so.” Good lesson learned and you keep right on going.
I agree it’s hard to label people a role model, but I just think of it as a friend we look up to or learn things from. Usually those are people who are a little older because they explain their insights so well, but then again my peers are also role models, like young people, because it reminds me that people like myself go through problems sometimes and still keep going. I think that as long as someone is honest and doesn’t pretend to know all the right things to say or do, then that’s the best example!
Role models are important. They help us become the person we want to be and inspire us to make a difference. Choosing wisely means that you are influenced correctly and will help you be the best person you can be.
You may
choose someone who has a lot of confidence in themselves and their abilities. A good role model would be someone who knows who they are. You don’t want someone who is down and who will bring you down. You want someone who won’t pretend to be someone they are not, and won’t be fake just to suit other people.
You may think about someone who interacts well with others’, and someone who is kind and can communicate well with people. You may look for someone who is living life the way you would like to. If you want to be a famous author, your role model could be someone who has been successful at writing. If you have always wanted to be a nurse, your role model could be someone at your local hospital who is dedicated to their job and someone who you look up to for their achievements.
You may find someone who doesn’t always take credit for what they do. Like a teacher or nurse. Not a celebrity or athlete because most of them tend to be conceited. You can choose a role model who may have done something you find admirable, such as raised a lot of money for charity, saved lots of lives, helped people in need or discovered the cure for a disease.
You must keep in mind that having a role model does not mean you become exactly like that person, remember to retain your individuality. Emulate them, but put your own individuality into the things they do. A role model should be someone who you want to be like, and someone you admire. Better, you may become your own role model. This means to do the things that you would admire someone else for doing. Your role model doesn’t have to be a real person, or someone who is alive. Maybe you consider Anne Frank to be your role model, or a character from a book. That’s okay, but bear in mind that instead of being able to directly ask your role model for help, then you’ll have to think, “What would he/she do in your position?”
You may have to be very much choosy as some poorly chosen role models may take advantage of their position and make you do things to make you look bad or a very bad influence to others. They also can direct you to a wrong place where you don’t want to be and you will do it because you want to please them.
How Can You Be a Role Model to Some Other One?
We live in a world in which basic values such as kindness and compassion are not often given the importance they are due. In the media, selfish and arrogant behavior patterns are often glorified. Besides this, it is not uncommon for people to get so caught up in day-to-day responsibilities and personal insecurities that they lose sight of their goals for personal development. Recovering your sense of integrity, or goodness, begins with identifying your personal values.
You would be surprised if you found out how many people look up to you. Think about how many people in your own life that has inspired you to get to where you are today. By being a good role model, you can help others to achieve success in their own lives. But people are different in there own ways.
You must be aware of your actions. Realize that somebody is watching you most of the time. Whether you are working diligently or picking your nose, chances are somebody noticed. You must identify your bad habits and problems that you have. This could be everything from getting drunk on purpose, smoking, or not getting enough sleep. To know if it is a bad habit or not, ask yourself the following questions:
o Does it hurt others around me?
o Is it detrimental to my health?
o Are the results of my actions good or bad?
o What are the long term effects?
o If I stopped doing it, would I become a better person?
o How does this affect my image as a role model? Is it a habit I would want others to deal with?
Once you figure out your bad habits and problems, fix them. Try doing little punishments to yourself whenever you do the bad habit and reward yourself for not doing it. You may not be able to stop doing it all at once. Try decreasing it little by little until you stop. Then, make sure you don’t start again.
You may show off your good qualities. Chances are, people will see everything good that you do too. Make an effort to go out of your way if you think that you can help someone. You can be an inspiration. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, athlete, artist, or anything else, do what you do best. People you have never met and never will meet are watching you perform. It is up to you to meet their expectations and show them the right way through example.
For being a role model for someone, you may talk and become friends with the people who look up to you. Chances are, many of your friends do look up to you, whether you realize it or not. If you are a parent, put your family first. Older siblings, set a good example. Your younger siblings are imitating you most of the time. Remember, no one is perfect. Just do your best. If you are student, use the character traits that you learned about in school. Such as: empathy, honesty, attentive listening, etc.
If you are a bad role model, it will hurt those around you. Turn your life around, and you will be turning around more than one life. You must identify what it is that being a good person means to you personally.
o Who do you look up to?
o What qualities do you admire in them?
o Now, in what ways could you better embody those qualities you admire? Think of how to apply those qualities in your work, creative pursuits, personal relationships, diet and lifestyle.
You must accept everyone around you as your brothers and your sisters. You should not criticize anyone because of their gender, age, race, or culture. Instead, seek to understand and appreciate differences. And you must stop comparing others with yourself. You may celebrate others’ victories and good qualities, even when you do not feel as blessed as they. Many cultures and religions have heroes, martyrs, and fables that may help individuals to find meaning and cultivate good character.
For being role model to others, you must love yourself. Practice unconditional self-acceptance. Pray and meditate to help cultivate the qualities you seek to embody. Cultivate both compassion and good karma through volunteer service. Volunteering is a great way to further a cause, support an organization, and make a difference in your community. It can also be an opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills. If you’d like to give something besides money, consider lending your time and talents to organizations that are important to you.
Be Happy – Become Role Model to Someone