Inspire Others – Be a Role Model!

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”

– Mark Twain

What is an inspirational role model? How do you become one? Many people think celebrities or historical figures are role models. While some of these people most certainly are role models, sadly, many are not. What about closer to home? Is there a family member, a teacher, a minister, or neighbor who is a role model for you and for others?

To Be a Role Model…

Each and every one of us has the opportunity and the ability to inspire others. Think about what actions and/or personality traits inspire you and choose a role model with these traits. Seriously think about why you admire this person and what messages they send with their actions. Think about how you could have a similar effect on others.

–Arthur Ashe quote

Believe in Yourself.

What are your strengths? What do you do well? Simple attributes about yourself, can have a drastic effect on others. Think about who you are and who you want to be. You may not come to any solid conclusions, but you will have laid the foundation and that is important.

Know Your Style.

Have confidence in yourself. Improve your attitude! Having friends with similar interests is wonderful, but remember to always be your own person. Get to know people with interests that are different from yours. Expand your views. Don’t worry about what other people think, worry about what you think.

To be or not to be…a trailblazer.

Do you admire someone who mimics decisions made by others? Or do you admire someone who thought about an issue, weighed the options, made a decision and then stood by that decision? Think about how you want to be and try to better yourself for you, not for or because of someone else.

Be Humble.

Role models seek to be decent human beings, not popular ones. Always remember that you are human, just like everyone else. You have faults and you will make mistakes. No one is perfect. Set the example by learning from your mistakes and moving forward with your life.

Once you have figured out your own positive image, stick with it. There is no aspect of your life that can’t be inspiring to others!!