Why you don’t need a role model
During podcast interviews, I’m sometimes asked who my role model is. This question used to throw me off. Because I didn’t know what to say. — I never really had a role model. But today, I no longer struggle with that question. Why? I know that I actually don’t need one. And you don’t either.
You can be your own role model, and you’re enough in that way. Because your life is unique to you, and you are unique. There’s no other life like yours. You have unique DNA; no one like you has ever walked on this planet, and chances are, no one ever will (unless you get cloned). And you are leaving your unique fingerprint.
Your life is about bringing out you — distinctly you. It’s about owning your unique value, showing your authentic brilliance and shining your bright light into the world, rather than standing in someone else’s shadow.
You do not need a role model. In fact, you are better off without one than possibly being misled by some public figure who may turn out to not be who they say they are.
All you need is clarity. And as we know, clarity finding can take time, dedication, and patience.
Life is about finding our path, which ideally is aligned with our purpose and passions. This is meant to be our unique path, not someone else’s path.
I’ve heard over and over again: “Regina, you have so many amazing adventure stories; you should put them into a book.” You know, I wouldn’t have been able to become who I am today if I hadn’t walked on my very special own path, and I am still striving to bring out more pieces of my best self… still figuring out so many treasures that are waiting inside of me to come to the surface and be utilized.
I have come to realize that role models would probably limit me and restrict my possibilities. I have never naturally found anyway, so why should I keep looking? There’d be too much to lose and too little to gain if I followed a role model. This attitude may be part of the reason why a business friend recently said to me: “You are the most unique human being I’ve ever met.” But you know what, you’re equally unique! We all are. We’re all here to live our Distinctive Uniqueness.
Another question I’m often asked is: “Knowing what you know now, what would you have told your younger self?” — And while I easily can come up with some wisdom from all my lessons learned so far, none of this might have made sense to my younger self. Or if it did, it could have deprived me of some of my richest experiences, both joyful and painful ones. I am where I am and how I am now because of what I have experienced so far. Et je ne regrette rien. It is what it is, and I am moving forward from here — without a role model.
Can you see that there’s nothing to worry about if you don’t have a role model? It’s also ok to be in a place where there’s no one who looks like you, speaks like you or has a similar background. In fact, this could be a fantastic opportunity for you to stand out with your unique brilliance and genius without working too hard to be seen. Just change your perspective and see what happens when you address it from your new viewpoint! You may be in for a surprise!
Finding ourselves our deepest value, and recognizing the reasons why we are pulled or pushed into specific environments is an intriguing journey worth exploring. And while you’re on this journey…
Stay focused on your path, not someone else’s!
