There’s a lot of talk about the importance of having role models, and there’s no question that it is important. It’s equally important, however, to be a good role model. Rather than leaving it up to famous people who often fall far short, you can become the person others look up to.
When you think of a role model, what do you envision? I think of someone who sets a great example to others in the areas that most of us consider to be important—kindness, ethics, generosity, caring, patience, thoughtfulness, dedication, and hard work. But if you think about it, you don’t have to be famous to be these things. Anyone can be a role model if he decides that it’s important. Being a world-class athlete, entertainer, politician, or anything else like that has nothing to do with it. These people can be role models too, but they do not have a corner on the market!
My two children have a handful of great teens they look up to as role models. These role models are, to me (and to my kids), far more important than some famous politician pretending to have “family values” or some famous athlete, even if he or she is doing great work for the community. The teens my kids look up to have normal teenage lives, yet they are kind to everyone, especially kids; they try hard in school; work hard at their jobs; and try to be really great human beings. To me, that’s a great role model!
There is something very special about knowing that you are trying hard to be a good role model, that you are someone who cares about others. Imagine how good it would feel to know that, when people think about you or talk about you, they describe you as “a really nice person,” or “someone who would never hurt anyone,” or “always ethical.”
Achievements and accomplishments are important, and I would never suggest otherwise. On the other hand, they can take you only so far. In the end, what really matters—and what people remember you for, and how you value yourself—is all about the type of person you are and the type of role model you become. How do you treat people? How do you handle stressful situations? Are you fair, kind, considerate, helpful, willing to be of service, hardworking, etc.?
I would suggest that if you are these things, then you already are a role model. Whether you’re well known or popular is irrelevant. You’re affecting people by your very presence, by the way you act, the decisions you make, and the way you are with others. When you know this about yourself, it’s easy to feel good about who you are. And when you feel good about who you are, your life will be relatively stress-free. More important, you’ll be happy.