The Importance of Role Models
This week, I'll be honoring the 7th anniversary of my mother's passing. Whenever I come up on her birth date or death date, I can't help but think about what she (and my father, also gone) would think about my life now.
When my mother transitioned, I was a newly divorced comedian who had just started a hypnosis business and bought a house. I remember telling my mother two days before she passed that she could let go because I was going to be okay. I was no longer in a marriage where I wasn't happy. My new business venture into hypnosis was a little uncertain, but I had a home that was paid for.
Seven years later, I'm happily remarried. I've grown both of my businesses exponentially, and much of my success is due to my husband's support of my endeavors. I've not only followed in my parents' footsteps but, in many ways, surpassed them. As I thought about my successes, I realized I owed much of my accomplishments to my parents, who were outstanding role models.
They didn't just preach about the importance of being active in your community; they practiced it every day. They got involved in their community and worked hard to improve it.
They taught me business ethics and fairness. They stressed that win/win scenarios were always better than win/lose business dealings.
They taught me to incorporate as much fun as possible into life.
They taught me that hard work, drive, and creativity will get me farther in life than talent and ability.
Role models are so important! While they may not be perfect, they serve as sources of inspiration, motivation, and guidance, showing us what is possible and encouraging us to strive for our goals. Role models can come from various aspects of life, such as family members, teachers, celebrities, or even fictional characters.
Positive role models can help us develop essential qualities like resilience, determination, and empathy. By observing their actions and behaviors, we can learn valuable lessons on navigating challenges, overcoming obstacles, and making ethical choices. Role models also provide a sense of direction and purpose, guiding us toward our aspirations and helping us stay focused on our dreams.
Moreover, role models can instill confidence and self-belief in us. Seeing someone we admire succeed can boost our self-esteem and belief in our abilities. They show us that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, we, too, can achieve great things. Role models prove that success is attainable and setbacks are just stepping stones towards growth and improvement.
In addition, role models can broaden our perspectives and expand our horizons. They can introduce us to new ideas, cultures, and experiences, inspiring us to explore beyond our comfort zones and embrace diversity. By following in the footsteps of our role models, we can learn to appreciate different viewpoints, challenge stereotypes, and become more open-minded.
Who you choose as your role models can say a lot about you and your values, so put some careful thought and research into who your role models really are.
Overall, having role models in our lives is essential for personal growth and development. They motivate us to reach our full potential and teach us valuable life lessons that shape our character and values. Whether they are close mentors or distant figures we look up to, role models can profoundly influence us and help us become the best versions of ourselves.
Reflecting on my parents, I realize I was lucky to have them as role models. I look forward to continuing their legacy of positive changes in the world around me, by continuing my work as a business owner and community leader.
