Being A Good Role Model
Growing up, I was probably the only person in the building who didn't abuse at the drop of a hat (more likely, a dropped catch or a fall), who took less-talented - usually shunned kids - in my team even if it meant losing the game, so naturally, their parents expected me to help out. It was my first real encounter with someone actually expecting me to be a role model.
This article isn't about me, it's about all of us. Chances are, more people look up to you than you realize. They can be anyone: even people who are older than you. It doesn't really matter who looks up to you, and it isn't necessarily your responsibility to mould them into a better individual, but you need to remember that one small habit, one good or bad quality of yours might leave an ever-lasting impression on them. Because we generally associate having role models with youngsters, this article will mainly focus on the need for us to be good role models to our youth.
Youth is impressionable, and they are looking for someone to look like, act like and feel like. As someone who still believes our future generations are worth saving, the less today's youth looks up to the likes of Miley Cyrus, the better. We might complain about the nature of programming on our televisions, but there's very little we can do to change it. It will take a collective effort to take shows and celebrities that can negatively influence a child's or adult's life off the air, and it'll still be difficult because of their popularity and appeal. What we can do is give the youth positive role models to look up to, in their own vicinity so they don't look at negative examples. They might not necessarily choose to be like you, but as I said earlier, you might not realize it even if they did. Children look up to their parents, younger siblings usually look up to the older ones, neighbours, colleagues and close friends may look up to the most successful person around them. But, how do you become a positive role model?
1. Kick Bad Habits
- You aren't perfect. Nobody is. It doesn't matter it is unhealthy food choices, smoking or use of abusive language, poor habits set poor examples. When you successfully kick bad habits or even attempt to take them down with conviction, it is a source of motivation for others to tackle their own obstacles, which may be much different from yours but equally or more challenging. I love the idea of being off-drinking and off-smoking not only because they are helping me lead a more healthy life but it may help someone else make the same decision.
2. Talking About The Journey, Not Only The Result
- It's better to talk about your successes, without mentioning the adversities that you faced and the mistakes you made; it just sounds more impressive. However, It is how an individual handles bumps in the road that really matters. Sharing moments of difficulties and problems will help those who look up to you learn how to appropriately deal with the stresses associated with their activities and opportunities. In order for them to be successful, it is imperative that they adequately deal with the times in life that are difficult.
3. Be Involved
- There will be that one sibling or youngster in your locality that clearly looks up to you. They walk like you, they talk like you and they always seem to be hanging around you. If you think you are stable enough to handle it, be involved in his or her life, subject to their guardian's approval. It might be easier than you think, and it'll make a world of a difference to them. Most parents will also appreciate a helping hand from someone who is more aware of the current situation, and it'll give you joy seeing them achieve success.
This is barely the gist of what could have been a horrendously long article, but I think I've made my point. I feel I have a lot of ideas to give out, a lot of unique experiences to share to anyone who is willing to listen. If I live through the next sixty years of my life knowing I've positively influenced that one kid who looked up to me, I'll be satisfied. In 2014, I may not be called the 'Perfect Role Model' and might make mistakes, but I'll try my best to be good to everyone around me.
Happy New Year to everyone!
Growing up, I was probably the only person in the building who didn't abuse at the drop of a hat (more likely, a dropped catch or a fall), who took less-talented - usually shunned kids - in my team even if it meant losing the game, so naturally, their parents expected me to help out. It was my first real encounter with someone actually expecting me to be a role model.
This article isn't about me, it's about all of us. Chances are, more people look up to you than you realize. They can be anyone: even people who are older than you. It doesn't really matter who looks up to you, and it isn't necessarily your responsibility to mould them into a better individual, but you need to remember that one small habit, one good or bad quality of yours might leave an ever-lasting impression on them. Because we generally associate having role models with youngsters, this article will mainly focus on the need for us to be good role models to our youth.
Youth is impressionable, and they are looking for someone to look like, act like and feel like. As someone who still believes our future generations are worth saving, the less today's youth looks up to the likes of Miley Cyrus, the better. We might complain about the nature of programming on our televisions, but there's very little we can do to change it. It will take a collective effort to take shows and celebrities that can negatively influence a child's or adult's life off the air, and it'll still be difficult because of their popularity and appeal. What we can do is give the youth positive role models to look up to, in their own vicinity so they don't look at negative examples. They might not necessarily choose to be like you, but as I said earlier, you might not realize it even if they did. Children look up to their parents, younger siblings usually look up to the older ones, neighbours, colleagues and close friends may look up to the most successful person around them. But, how do you become a positive role model?
1. Kick Bad Habits
- You aren't perfect. Nobody is. It doesn't matter it is unhealthy food choices, smoking or use of abusive language, poor habits set poor examples. When you successfully kick bad habits or even attempt to take them down with conviction, it is a source of motivation for others to tackle their own obstacles, which may be much different from yours but equally or more challenging. I love the idea of being off-drinking and off-smoking not only because they are helping me lead a more healthy life but it may help someone else make the same decision.
2. Talking About The Journey, Not Only The Result
- It's better to talk about your successes, without mentioning the adversities that you faced and the mistakes you made; it just sounds more impressive. However, It is how an individual handles bumps in the road that really matters. Sharing moments of difficulties and problems will help those who look up to you learn how to appropriately deal with the stresses associated with their activities and opportunities. In order for them to be successful, it is imperative that they adequately deal with the times in life that are difficult.
3. Be Involved
- There will be that one sibling or youngster in your locality that clearly looks up to you. They walk like you, they talk like you and they always seem to be hanging around you. If you think you are stable enough to handle it, be involved in his or her life, subject to their guardian's approval. It might be easier than you think, and it'll make a world of a difference to them. Most parents will also appreciate a helping hand from someone who is more aware of the current situation, and it'll give you joy seeing them achieve success.
This is barely the gist of what could have been a horrendously long article, but I think I've made my point. I feel I have a lot of ideas to give out, a lot of unique experiences to share to anyone who is willing to listen. If I live through the next sixty years of my life knowing I've positively influenced that one kid who looked up to me, I'll be satisfied. In 2014, I may not be called the 'Perfect Role Model' and might make mistakes, but I'll try my best to be good to everyone around me.
Happy New Year to everyone!