I actually think that the most efficacious way of making a difference is to lead by example, and doing random acts of kindness is setting a very good example of how to behave in the world.”—Misha Collins
Examples. My values and mission include “impacting others”—more specifically, having a positive impact on the lives of others. I am not sure I do this well, but I try.
As important as it is to be an example, we also need to seek out examples who possess the traits we desire. This is similar to the first “Gable Trained” principle, mentors, but does not necessarily require a relationship. In other words, we can seek out the example of others even if we don’t know them. Charles Barkley famously said: “I’m not a role model… Just because I dunk a basketball doesn’t mean I should raise your kids.” He is right, but he also can’t escape the fact that he is in the public limelight and cannot escape being a role model for others. We cannot determine who will follow our example, but we can (and must) be conscious of the example we set for others. Likewise, we must be diligent in selecting who we choose to pattern ourselves after. We must also be aware of to whom our children look as role models.
Jim Rohn has said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Of course, we also impact the people we spend the most time with. As parents, we want to make sure that our children are hanging around with friends who will be a positive influence. We want good coaches and teachers for our children. More importantly, we want to make sure that our parenting (and leadership) is not “do as I say, not as I do”. Like Charles Barkley, we may not choose to be role models, but, to someone, we are.
It is critical who we choose to emulate. I enjoy learning about Dan Gable. It is easy for me to see how he has been a role model and example for so many wrestlers—and non-wrestlers, alike. He has an unparalleled work ethic. He is a leader who is open to learning from others. In my mind, the best examples to follow are those who are willing to seek the guidance of others. We must not seek the counsel or the example of people who are like us, per se. Rather, we must model our actions after those who demonstrate the qualities to which we aspire. Growth requires that we aspire to greater heights. The examples we seek must be just beyond our reach—they must stretch us.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!