Growing up, we’re always asked about our inspiration; our role model, and most of the times, we don’t have an answer. When I was in middle school, I was asked in a survey who my inspiration was, and I realized, to my amazement, that I didn’t have one! After some quick thinking, I named a random artist who I didn’t care much about, because on reflection, it seemed awkward to me to not have a role model.
When older, we often search for role models who are like us. This is not as easy as we might imagine it to be, as looking for role models who resonate with the experiences of the communities and spaces we belong to, and the one that provides us the kind of inspiration we’re looking for can sometimes be quite difficult. But there is one way in which you can make the task a little easier… and that’s by making yourself your own role model.
For all that has happened in your life, you’ve survived and made it this far. You have achieved great things and little daily victories, all of which have contributed to who you are today. The fact that you’re standing here (or sitting here, depends) means that you have fought your battles, and maybe you haven’t won all of them, but you’ve learned from them, and become wiser. You are a pioneer in the greatest field of them all—life. Whether it’s graduating from college, or even getting out of bed and taking a shower, everything counts. You are amazing for having done all this and more.
You have had your struggles, worries, and circumstances to deal with. Some of them had definite answers, while some of them didn’t. Regardless, you have managed it all. You have survived, maybe you’ve even thrived!
You are the ‘First of your Name’, as they say in the Game of Thrones universe. You’ve done quite a bit in all the years you’ve been alive. And if you’re looking for a role model from your community…well, you’re a member of that community too, aren’t you? Don’t exclude yourself from it. Maybe you’re a part of the first generation in that community to go to college. Maybe you’re the first woman from your family to start working. Or maybe you took a risky decision that everyone said would end in failure, like launching a small business or working on a task or a school subject you found difficult, but you’ve tried it, and that’s what matters. As I’ve said before, even the small things matter- maybe you asked someone for help today, or cleaned your room, or submitted a paper before the deadline for the first time. You have revolutionized the field of your life in your own way, and that’s something to be proud of: you live life on your own terms.
That’s what I’ve done. From worrying that I didn’t have an inspiration/role model, I’ve now moved on to viewing my own achievements in the last few years as things that can inspire me and push me to do better and be a better person today and in the future.
Some people may call this narcissism or boasting; I call it the greatest act of self-love and self-care you can ever do. By making yourself your own role model, you show the world that you believe in yourself and what you can do. You tell yourself that you deserve better. You have achievements that you can call your own, and you’ve done this despite, or maybe even because, of your circumstances. You take inspiration from your past glories and tell yourself, “If my past self could do it, I can do it too.”
Be your own role model. You’re the best one you can ever have.
Edited by Arpita Wadhwa