The blueprint of role models

WE people, regardless of what generation we belong to—tend to look up to someone to be inspired and to be motivated to build standards for ourselves.  

Living in a world that is filled with diverse influences, those people who we look up to will always have an impact on our lives as they are the ones who mold our values, decisions, and aspirations. 

A role model is a person who you can look up to and they are someone who has achieved their goals or is someone who is just good at living their own life in a way that you aspire to.

Whether it’s a family, a friend, a mentor, or a TV character, we all have that person (or two) that we look up to, and while it is easy to find a role mentor to aspire from, the challenge of it comes with having to find the best one. 

The blueprints and role models

If you were to compare it, having a role model is like having to construct a building. To construct a building, the need for a blueprint is crucial as it comes as a detailed representation of the details to complete what you’re building for.

Through blueprints, they ensure that the structure of the establishment that’s being built will be strong and aligned with the desired vision of those who are making it. 

Similarly role models, act as a guide that provides a framework for the behavior, values, and actions that we may aspire to follow. And just like an architect who uses a blueprint to precisely construct the building, individuals aim for role models to shape their own characters.  

People are in need of a role model as this helps them to believe in themselves, overcome obstacles, find purpose in life, and reach their potential. 

If an architect owned a blueprint to successfully construct the establishment they’re building, role models function as a blueprint for growth whether through career, love, or life. 

What am I trying to become?

A flawed blueprint cannot ensure the strength nor the stability of the establishment’s structure.

While the effects of this are not exactly as brutal as a fragile building, the effects of it can be merely similar especially when we happen to choose a role model that does not fit our true needs or aspirations.

Having to choose the right role model requires self-reflection and the first step is to first know our values and goals.

Ask yourself, “what am I trying to become?” Take the time to reflect on your values, long-term goals, and who you want to become. 

Once you are finally able to determine what you really want to become then comes the time of looking for someone to take inspiration from. 

Look for someone who has integrity and is authentic, assess whether this person demonstrates consistent accountability, honesty, and ethical behaviors.

Nobody’s perfect

Whenever we have an image of our role models, we think of them as someone who is seamless and almost perfect. Because of this, we sometimes forget the struggles and hurdles they went through in order to get where they are. 

We all grow from failures and we all learn from our mistakes. The key is not to see them as someone you only admire, you too have to acknowledge their struggles and on how they are able to show resilience, perseverance, and adaptability to overcome the challenge.

Seeing someone get through their struggles isn’t necessarily enough as you too have to make sure that they’re relatable. 

Having to look up to someone is nice but to have a role model, you should be able to see yourself growing in a way on going through a same journey as they are. 

In a world where everyone feels lost easily, a role model stands as an important anchor in our lives.