The Role Model gene. Do you test positive?

One of my favorite topics when speaking to audiences is role models. When asked if I have any, the answer is a resounding yes!

My role models range from Tony Stark, the Marvel genius who champions world peace, to everyday people I encounter. I love picking up valuable lessons from how someone interacts with their kids or navigates a crisis at work.

Recently, a colleague left us with a thoughtful piece on life, encouraging us to find our own "Mr. Miyagi," the wise mentor from the classic film The Karate Kid. Mr. Miyagi's memorable lessons, like "Wax on, wax off," remind us that wisdom often comes disguised.

Today’s youth have countless media icons to look up to, but how many offer genuine substance? We need to distinguish between real character and mere characters. What kind of examples are being set, and what impact do they have?

Scrolling through social media, it’s alarming to see trends that prioritize looks over authenticity. In music, the common themes often revolve around superficiality—money, fame, and flashy lifestyles—rather than integrity and bravery, qualities that once defined true role models like Batman or Neil Armstrong.

While the world has changed, the top earners today are often entertainers, leading to a troubling message: success equals performance. This shift can erode self-image and create unrealistic expectations.

So, what makes a good role model, and who qualifies?

Names like Oprah Winfrey and Nelson Mandela come to mind, but how suitable are they? A role model should inspire and offer attitudes worth emulating. Thankfully, with the internet at our fingertips, we have access to a diverse range of role models, from adventurers to everyday heroes.

We can learn from countless stories of courage and kindness that often go unnoticed. Role models now include not just celebrities but also the ordinary people in our lives. With our interconnected world, we can find inspiration in those around us, from the office hero to the neighbor who lends a helping hand.

Could you be a role model? You might already be one without realizing it! Whether it’s how you handle challenges or your choices in daily life, someone is likely looking up to you.

This is an invitation to learn from everyone you meet. Take a page from their book, or even an entire chapter! But remember, not all role models are perfect. We can choose what to learn from both the admirable and the flawed, like Tiger Woods, who teaches us about resilience despite his mistakes.

As Spiderman wisely said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” We have the opportunity to better ourselves and inspire others in this vast library of knowledge around us.

It’s a choice we make.

While it’s crucial to have our Mr. Miyagis, let’s also remember that we can be one for someone else, even if we’ve never trained a kid to win the Tri-County Regional Karate Championship of America tournament.