What Traits Do You Look For In A Role Model?
November was National Inspirational Role Models Month. During this last month, we recognized those who inspire us to be the best version of ourselves.
No matter if your role model is a celebrity, teacher, family member or friend, role models share certain characteristics that encourage the people around them to push forward through fear and insecurity and get in tune with the person they are meant to be.
Here are just a few of the common behaviors that role models share.
Confident Leadership – move outside of your comfort zone
“The more you seek the uncomfortable, the more comfortable you will become.” – Conor McGregor
Role models are often calm under pressure. They are comfortable in situations that are uncomfortable to other people. When the outcome to a situation appears uncertain, role models are the last ones to cry doom and gloom.
Calmness under pressure comes from a confident self-assuredness that we will be able to find an answer to whatever the world throws at us. Panic under pressure can lead to uncertainty and poor, hurried decision making that can have disastrous consequences. Focus under pressure not only leads to better decision making, it also inspires confidence in others who are around the role model.
Don’t Fear Being Different – inspire creativity
“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” – Maya Angelou
Role models – at least in the authentic sense of the term – don’t pretend to be someone they are not. Role models are proud of who they genuinely are and they don’t attempt to manufacture a façade simply to avoid being “different” from other people.
A role model who isn’t handcuffed by any ideas that they must fit in is able to unlock a level of creativity that is both personal and genuine.
Show Respect and Concern for Others – show compassion
“No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank
People may remain committed to achieving their goals and ambitions, but whether or not they choose to show respect to others goes a long way in how people view them. A true role model doesn’t show compassion and kindness simply to earn praise. They do it out of a deeply held commitment to do whatever they can to make the world a better place for all.
Have Humility, Be Willing to Admit Mistakes – don’t fear failure
“Life is an unending series of complications, so it doesn’t make any sense to be surprised by the arrival of the next one.”– Sam Harris
Role models refuse to allow the fear of failure to prevent them from stepping forward and making a difference.
Everyone experiences setbacks and disappointments. The way we respond to adversity in our lives is what determines our course as we move forward.
Work hard, work smart and seek the lesson in every circumstance whether the situation is good or bad.
Conclusion:
So, what traits of a role model will you commit to live by in your day-to-day life? If you’re looking for someone to motivate and inspire you to a higher standard, begin by focusing your attention on the role model looking back at you in the mirror. Let’s take what we’ve learned this past month about role models and apply it to our lives all year long.
Lance Montgomery
