Using a role model to become a better you
Role models are individuals that we look up to. They are people who exhibit attributes that we wish to develop within ourselves. Good role models are individuals who help us to seek to be a better you, not someone else. Role models can be very different. Some see celebrities as role models; others see their parents as role models. Religiously we have many role models in the form of God or a prophet.
Choosing a role model is more difficult for some. Some individuals find a role model in an immediate family member that may or may not be a parent. Others look outside of the home for someone to give them guidance. Whoever your role model is, remember that you are not striving to become that person; rather we look to that person for advice and direction.
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Don't be discouraged by imperfections
Even though you may be able to find an individual that you look up to ask a role model, chances are that that person has some faults of her own. Faults do not take away from one's ability to be a good role model. In fact, how someone deals with adversity and downfalls is one of the reasons why we choose someone to be our role model anyway. Unfortunately bad things happen to good people including you. Just as your role model is not without flaws, you shouldn't expect too much of yourself. Work on how you can better handle the things that life throws at you, not necessarily how to avoid stumbling blocks completely.
Attributes
Many of us have role models and think of them as people that we look up to. Some, however, become obsessive about their role models. Some want to have the same hair styles, the same wardrobe or even the same vocabulary. Remember that the whole reason that you have a role model is to be a better you. Copying your role models actions is usually not the best place to start. What we want to do is look at the attributes that others we respect have and seek to develop those attributes for ourselves. For example, you may have a role model who bakes cookies for widows in the neighborhood. Doing the exact same thing isn't necessarily bad, but instead, it is much more beneficial to try to internalize and develop the attribute of kindness and charity. Putting forth the effort to try your hand at finding your own ways to develop certain attributes will do much more to help you become a better you.
Asking advice
Some of the most powerful role models are those that we can seek council from. Becoming a better you is not something that we learn how to do overnight. Sometimes we come across situations that we do not know how to get through. This is when having a role model that we can talk to can really make a difference in our lives. Continually learning is what is needed to get many of us through our toughest challenges. Make sure that you take advantage of the insight that the person you look up to has to offer. Do not be afraid to seek out their council.
The best role model is going to want the very best for you and will always have your best interest at heart. Choosing a role model that you trust can give you the kind of relationship that can help you stay away from harmful situations and can help you live the kind of life that you want to live. Our role models are our silent heroes; willing to help us to become better, while seeking none of the credit or praise for themselves.
