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Many of us consider our parents to be the best role models. Teachers are also known as being good role models for students. A role model is anyone who has inspired or motivated you to perform well and go after your dreams.
They play a critical role in our lives and careers. Many of us can probably credit our success to our high school teachers or college professors.
Maybe you joined a drama class in school because of your teacher. If you’re a popular theater artist today, it’s partly because of their encouragement and faith in your skills as an actor.
People who we look up to or the ones we tend to follow exemplify the qualities of a role model. These can be self-confidence, a positive approach to life, solid morals and values, a deep sense of self and humility.
In the workplace, having a role model can even increase productivity. This happens because we try to fulfill our role model’s expectations of us. We want to be as successful as they believe we can be.
Let’s understand the importance of having role models in your life and how you can be a role model to others.
Why You Need Role Models
A role model doesn’t have to be someone you have access to in everyday life. Some examples of role models could be your favorite author, a musician or even an actor you respect. If their dedication and passion toward their work inspire you to be better, you likely look up to them as your role model.
Role models can push us to make time for ourselves. It’s easy to get sucked into a routine where you’re simply going through the motions. You go to work every day and sometimes you complete a 2-hour task in 10 hours. When you get off work, you’re too exhausted to do anything else or indulge in a hobby.
This kind of lifestyle can impact our personal and professional growth. This is where role models can help you get out of a rut. If your favorite writer works day and night to publish their next best-seller, you’re more likely to get inspired and seize the day.
Having role models can add perspective to your life. You learn to think about others and their failures or successes. How they’ve achieved their dreams, their aspirations and their journey to success can really inspire you to make changes in your own life.
How To Be A Role Model
You’re also a role model to a younger sibling, a junior at work or even a friend. If you’re in the education sector, for instance, you have a huge responsibility on your shoulders as young impressionable minds look up to you for guidance.
You can be one of the best role models with careful steps and an understanding of who you are. Being an effective leader who is focused, productive and efficient can help you inspire and motivate others.
Aspire to achieve excellence in everything you do if you want to inspire others to do the same. Making small improvements every day goes a long way for your overall professional development. Here are some qualities of a role model to give you direction:
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Be An Optimist
It’s important to think positively even when you’re faced with the worst-case scenario. Everyone has weak moments where they simply can’t get out of their own minds. But if you can turn a challenge into an opportunity, you’re on your way to becoming an amazing role model.
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Be Encouraging
If you know someone who’s feeling discouraged and unmotivated, you should make time for them and listen to what they have to say. You can help people simply by listening to their problems, understanding their feelings and empathizing with them. This is also true if someone has strayed from their path. As a role model, you can take responsibility for showing them the right way.
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Put Your Best Foot Forward
You should always try to be your best self at work or in life. This isn’t to say that you have to be perfect all the time. But even when you’re having a difficult time, you should own it and show others that you’re dealing with things as effectively as you can. At work, you can learn how to overcome challenges and be productive to deliver the best results.
There’s no one way to become a role model. It’s a combination of factors that guide you to practice excellence in your work and life. If someone’s watching you and learning from you, you should try to guide them in the best possible way.
Conclusion
Harappa Education’s Practicing Excellence course will teach you the ins and outs of being the best version of yourself. This high-impact course is designed for ambitious professionals who want to be effective leaders. Work on areas that need improvement and refine your skills to be a successful and inspiring role model.
Explore topics such as What is Leadership, How to Motivate Your Team, Types of Leadership & Role of a Leader from our Harappa Diaries section and lead on a path of self-development.
