Being a role model takes a responsibility that not everyone is ready for. When you stop to think of how many youths out there need some kind of role model to help them find and stay on the right track, think about the different things you say and do that can rub off on them, whether you’re trying to be a role model or not. If you are, it only takes a few steps to make sure that what you’re putting out there is going to motivate someone into being the best that they can be.
Lead By Example:
Like the famous saying goes, “monkey see, monkey do.” Think about that philosophy when you’re around an impressionable child or teenager. Everything they do and say is going to be a reflection of you because what has rubbed off on them is what you’re doing and saying everyday when you’re around them. If you want to be a good example, know how to lead. Be the person that you want that child/teenager to be. Show them how to find the right path for them and motivate them into staying on it. If you’re leading a negative example, they’re going to pick up on it, so be careful with how you carry yourself.
Positivity/Positive Motivation:
Positivity and negativity are two very powerful entities. Many people truly underestimate how it can affect your way of thinking and your way of living. “The mind is everything, what you think, you become” is a philosophy that I live by all the time, and I can’t tell you how true it is and how it can reflect your life. If you’re positive about something, you can make it happen. If you’re constantly negative about something, it’s going to end up impacting your life as well. You cannot live a positive life with a negative mind. So no matter how bad things get, showing positivity will give youths something to hold on to when it’s their turn to go through something major.
The same philosophy can be said about motivation. When it comes to motivation, there are two kinds. Positive and negative. Negative motivation is the type of motivation that compels a person to be competitive in a bad way; being envious and jealous. Positive motivation compels a person to be the best they can be, while still maintaining the ability to compete in healthy ways. It’s important to know which type of motivation drives you before you can even begin teaching and motivating someone who needs a role model. Remember, you want to teach positive motivation, not negative motivation.
Know Yourself:
How do you want to represent yourself? What kind of role model are you trying to be? Ask yourself these questions, and consider the possibilities that can come with this responsibility. You have to know how you want to present yourself and represent yourself as a person. Know who you are and what you’re all about. If you don’t know, how can be teach this to someone else?
It’s also important to be at peace with your past. Not everyone has a squeaky clean past, and that’s okay. Don’t let that drive you and intimidate you. Remember, we’re not here to live for the past, we’re here to live for the present and prepare for the future. This can also be an advantage because a lot of youths who need a role model can learn from their mistakes with your help simply because you’ve been there and done that. Take the time to know yourself, and be proud so you can carry yourself with pride.
Awareness:
Everyone has bad habits. Be aware of what they are and try quitting them for the sake of the youth who is looking up to you. Granted, there will always be minor bad habits that are generally harmless, but when it comes to bad habits that can end up being a bad influence on someone, is when you have to stop and think….How will this affect this person or that person? So being aware of your bad habits is key, especially when it can end up hurting others in the end.
Honesty:
Admit and own up to your mistakes. Being a good role model also means knowing when you’re wrong and being adult enough to rectify it. When you’re able to own up to your mistakes, you’ll be representing something everyone goes through, and the proper way of handling it, as opposed to not taking responsibility for your actions.
Always remember, when you’re being a role model to someone, there’s a lot about them that’s extremely vulnerable. Instill the values in those youths that will give them the strength to grow and be a good person, and also with the tools for them to be a good role model as well.
For more tips on being a role model, visit this site:
http://www.drrobynsilverman.com/parenting-tips/powerful-role-models-seven-ways-to-make-a-positive-impact-on-children/
