The Benefit of Role Models and Making Sober Friends in Recovery
Estimated watch time: 4 mins 40 secs
Summary:
The people we surround ourselves with are important guides for our attitudes, behaviors and actions. This module guides you through the recognition of traits you admire in others, and how you can emulate those traits in your own life. You can also learn from negative role models and derive motivation for what you don’t want to be.
Video Materials:
Other Videos in Series:
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Transcript:
u003ch3u003eRole Modelsu003c/h3u003ernA consistent pattern found over the years, across a variety of studies and interviews assessing resilience in both children and adults, has been the experience of having at least u003ciu003eone u003c/iu003eperson who has provided admirable inspiration and support through beliefs, attitudes and behaviors.rnrnThink about someone you admire, look up to or someone who has truly inspired you, whether in the past or present. This could be a teacher or coach, a family member, an athlete or a fictional character, to name a few. What characteristic(s) held by this individual have made an impression on you?rnrnCharacteristics that stand out to you might include that person’s u003cbu003ebeliefs u003c/bu003eor u003cbu003eattitudeu003c/bu003e, and even u003cbu003ebehaviorsu003c/bu003e you’ve observed. Think about what may have motivated this person or how they u003cbu003emotivate u003c/bu003eyou, as well as what u003cbu003esupport u003c/bu003ethey give or may have received. Finally, think about how their experiences may have shaped their u003cbu003eself-esteem, u003c/bu003eor how a mentor has impacted yours.rnrnIn addition to positive role models, we need to be aware that there are certainly role models that may u003ciu003enot u003c/iu003ecreate a positive experience, or may only have their personal interests in mind, with more of a self-serving attitude and accompanying behaviors. These role models may offer a false sense of support and create mistrust and lack of self-esteem in those who may not have a balanced experience with positive, caring and supportive role models. On the other hand, many use these negative role models as motivation away from what they do NOT want to imitate. Can you think of any examples of this from your personal life? (pause)rnrnOk, let’s move on, but be sure to keep these examples in mind as we will circle back to this later…rnrnSo, you’re already an amazing human and have experienced a host of challenges, but how can you utilize your experiences and understanding of role models to improve your own resilience, and… just become a better person, friend, parent or co-worker? One way to approach this is through u003ciu003eimitating u003c/iu003ethose you have found to be positive role models in your life. What were those characteristics you admired and how can you emulate this in various ways? If this seems too far-reaching, for example, if you look to Ghandi or Mother Teresa as a role model, who so selflessly devoted their lives to others, how else can you break down a way to translate their ability to give and lend help to others in your own life? What would that look like for you?rnrnFor example, choosing to work in a helping profession or donate your time toward volunteer work may be a way to emulate these characteristics you admire. Additionally, you can make steps to reach larger goals by thoroughly observing the skill or characteristic you aspire to, and breaking it into smaller pieces that you can build upon. None of this happens overnight! Continue to evaluate and practice this imitation in your life, and ask for constructive feedback where from others you identify as experts or skilled.rnrnSo, how will this make you more resilient? Great question!rnrnAlthough this may sound a lot like the common phrase, “fake it ‘til you make it,” the impact of modeling someone with characteristics that align with your values, beliefs or goals is u003ciu003everyu003c/iu003e u003ciu003erealu003c/iu003e. By additionally setting goals to BE a role model, you can work to encourage others, find solutions instead of problems, build strengths, share your values and purpose, extend your support system and educate others. We encourage you to engage in the next module of questions so you can start exploring how modeling can improve your resilience.rnrnu003cstrongu003eRole Models Questions:u003c/strongu003ernu003colu003ern tu003cliu003eThink of one positive role model you’ve had either as a child, adolescent or adult, and write up to 3 characteristics (e.g. beliefs, behaviors, attitudes, motivators, etc.) you admire about this person.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eCan you describe 3 specific ways in which you can imitate the characteristics of this person in your personal or professional life?u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eHow might you use examples from a negative role model to promote resilience in your life?u003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003e
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