How to Learn From Role Models

We look up to role models

A role model is someone whose behavior in a certain area we wish to emulate. We look to role models as examples of how to act when performing a particular role, such as student, friend, neighbor, employee and athlete. Though anyone can have a role model and most people do, children and adolescents are especially eager to follow another's example, though not always able to imagine the consequences that may follow. Learn from your role models by following their lead and understanding what motivates them.

Things You'll Need

• Role model

Instructions

1. Imitate what your role model does---his actions. For example, if your friend role model always greets people with a smile and a hug, do so yourself.

2. Imitate what your role model does NOT do---her nonactions. For example, if your employee role model does not attend after-work happy hours with coworkers, do not attend them either.

3. Meet with your role model and ask him to mentor you. Having someone whose success in a certain area you admire advise you in that same area (mentoring) can be inspiring and helpful.

4. Read biographies and autobiographies of your role model if possible. This will provide a broader understanding of why they do what they do. For adults, this is more helpful than simply imitating another's actions.

5. Learn who it is that your role model considers her role model, and look for similarities and differences between the two. This will help you understand the motivation behind your own role model's actions. This is more helpful for adults than for children.