Everyone has role models that they look up to. Whether it's a sporting icon you admire, or someone whose look and lifestyle you want to copy, or just someone whose character you respect. Role models occupy an important position, acting in a similar fashion to the goals you might set for yourself. If you are looking to improve in an area of your life, you might set a goal to earn more money, move jobs or perhaps take up a hobby.
History
Men and women have always sought role models. Religious figures, prominent figures within the local communities, political leaders, military heroes or great fighters, have all drawn followers. These figures embody qualities that individuals can look up to. These days, you can read all about their journeys and their accomplishments, following their steps and taking comfort in the knowledge that they have shared the same pitfalls. Famous figures who set and achieved seemingly impossible goals include the young Bruce Lee, who resolved to become more famous than Steve McQueen while still a struggling martial artist.
Expert Insight
Using role models and goal setting are fundamental parts of the self development industry. Maxwell Maltz, author of "Psycho-Cybernetics," one of the most influential books ever published on self help and self image, considers that to achieve success, the most important thing is to have a clear idea of what you want to do. Lifestyle guru Zan Perrion considers the most important component in changing your life is by taking time to consider what you want your life to look like.
Features
Maltz talks of the "success mechanism", a subconscious reflex that guides you towards what you consciously focus on. Stephen Covey, organizational expert and bestselling author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," refers to this as beginning with the end in mind. Regarding role models, Maltz recommends picking someone to model yourself on and then studying everything about them to the point where you are able to imagine a conversation with them in your head.
Function
Goals and role models help by creating an idea of where you want to be, at which point it becomes easier to identify how to achieve your aim. This can be done through setting goals, or through studying a role model until you can copy their thoughts and actions.You can make this goal more vivid by selecting a relevant role model, emulating their achievements, living by their principles and measuring your success against theirs.
Considerations
A role model can hinder you from your own personal development. It's important to know the difference between a role model and an idol. You should not seek to blindly copy every single characteristic, only the ones that really serve you. Goal setting is about improving yourself by reaching a target. Although a role model acts as a goal, someone you seek to be like, remember you are looking for characteristics and practices that will help you become a better you, not trying to become an identical clone.
References
- "The New Psycho-Cybernetics"; Maxwell Maltz, M.D., F.I.C.S.; 2001
- Zan Perrion
- "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"; Stephen Covey; 1989
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