Why You Should Have Role Models and How to Find Yours

Reaching your full potential requires you to have the right role models. Without them, it will be difficult for you to become all that you can be. But with the right role models, you will be on your way to reaching your full potential.

I’m lucky because I have had good role models for years. Having them has pushed me to make the most of my life.

Why You Should Have Role Models

Here are some reasons why you should have role models.

1. They can inspire you about what is possible.

This is perhaps the most important reason for having role models. Our expectations are often too low, especially if we base them on what we see around us. But having role models can help you overcome those limitations.

Instead of limiting yourself with what you see around you, now you know what is actually possible. Your expectations will become much higher and that’s how you can reach your full potential.

2. They can motivate you to overcome challenges.

There are always challenges along the way that could discourage you. But having role models will motivate you to overcome them. Why? Because they have proved that it can be done! They have gone through them themselves. It’s now your chance to follow in their footsteps.

3. They can guide you in making decisions.

Having role models allows you to learn their mental models, the way they make decisions. After all, your life is the outcome of your decisions. By learning their mental models, you will improve the way you make your decisions. This will take you far in life.

How to Find Your Role Models

Let’s now look at how to find the right role models. Here are some tips.

1. Read history.

When it comes to finding role models, history is like your treasure chest. It’s full of great people! So make time to read history. It could be business history, military history, science history, or anything else that’s relevant to you. Read it and take note of the great people you find there.

2. Read profiles on Wikipedia.

When you find someone you are interested in, read their profile on Wikipedia. It takes much less time than reading a full biography, and you will get a good overview of that person’s life and accomplishments.

3. Read biographies.

When you are interested to dig deeper, read the person’s biography. Pay special attention to their habits and mental models. How did they make decisions? What habits did they build? If what you find is impressive, you can make that person your role model.

4. Find multiple role models.

There are different aspects of life, and it’s difficult to find someone who can be your role model in all aspects. So find role models for the different aspects of your life.

5. Refine them over time.

Your role models aren’t carved in stone. As time goes by, you might find others who better fit your situation and aspirations. In such a case, you may want to replace some of your role models with the new ones.

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What do you think? How do you find your role models? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

9 Comments

  1. Great post! Personally, I enjoy reading biographies to find role models, as it can give a bigger picture sometimes. Do you have any advice for finding contemporary mentors locally?

    • Thanks, Sean! Yes, reading biographies is a good idea. I don’t have definite advice for that, but you can join a relevant community in your city and as you build relationships there, you may find a mentor.

  2. As I was growing up alone without a family, books were my friends. I did read a lot. Mahatma Gandhi was and is my role model. Yes I belive that having a role model is really good. It does give a purpose.

  3. I turned to some of my elders throughout my life. Whether they are millionaires or not, that was not important, but just the sound board they were and still are through my life. But I see this as a slowly dying breed, since they younger kids are so entitled , this type of advice is not as important to them as it is to me, and I am 48. I am a mentor, and have been for the last 10 years +…

  4. Hi Donald,

    I have been away for a while..Missed your articles..What I do regarding role models is reading biographies. Also watching interviews..Once I came across a businessman who told me that his reading habit helped him cross boundaries of states and nations, expand his thinking and that’s why he is in his current position as a successful businwssman..Yes, Wikipedia is a great tool too. Reading biographies and motivational material have changed me a lot.

  5. yes our role models play a major role in shaping our future, but can’t we become role model for others. i feel we should work on our self on daily basis and make ourself role model for others.

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