Last updated on February 24, 2016
By: Sara Keen, Editor-in-Chief
The term “role model” is frequently used in the media lately. Between the superhero movies, sport players, rock stars, and astounding doctors on television, the options are far from few for children.
That being said, you do not have to be a superhero, rock star or anything huge to be a good role model. You only need to be a positive influence for others.
Someone can look up to you for small things that you do not even realize you do. For example, someone who is responsible could be a role model for someone who has trouble maintaining his or her own responsibilities.
A role model, to a large degree, is acting like the change you want to see in the world. It is making a difference, big or small, to push the world into a better place.
If you wish the world were a kinder place, spread kindness through the small acts mentioned above. This could be as simple as a smile or asking how someone is. It does not take too much to brighten another person’s day.
If you wish people talked about issues that our relevant to our time, broach the subjects with others. This can help you understand other viewpoints for the topic and broaden your own views on the subject.
Being a role model means embracing what makes you human, including your faults. Let these things strengthen you, let friends know you are dealing with these weaknesses, but they are not to your detriment. Show others that you are able to accept your own mistakes. A role model should be able to take all problems in stride, as a lesson rather than a failure.
Being a role model is not about being perfect. It is about not letting your perceived shortcomings get the better of your attitude and the image you put forth to people.
It is important to remember that someone you perceive to be your role model is human, too, that they have probably cried themselves to sleep some nights the same way you have.
No human being is perfect. No human being can be all that you need him or her to be – it’s not a fair burden to put on someone else.
However, a human being can be kind, compassionate and brave in his or her own ways. That is enough to make someone a role model to many.
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