Having good role models and mentors in your life can make a big difference in your outlook and overall positivity. They can inspire you, offer guidance, and provide a shining example of how to cultivate and maintain an upbeat, optimistic mindset. However, finding the right mentors isn’t always easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify and connect with positive influences.
Why Positive Role Models Matter
The people we spend time with and look up to have a huge impact on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Surrounding yourself with negative, pessimistic people can drag you down over time. On the flip side, being around those who embody the positive mindset you’re striving for can be contagious in the best way.
Good vibe mentors don’t just talk the talk – they walk the walk when it comes to maintaining an upbeat perspective even when facing challenges. By observing how they handle adversity with grace and looking for the bright side, you can start to develop those skills yourself.
Qualities to Look For
So what exactly makes someone a good role model or mentor for positivity? Here are some key traits to look for:
Optimistic Outlook
The primary thing that defines a positive role model is their overall optimistic, glass-half-full perspective on life. They don’t get bogged down by disappointments or dwell on the negative. Instead, they look on the bright side and focus their energy on solutions rather than complaints.
Resilience
Everyone faces setbacks and challenges, but positive role models exemplify resilience by bouncing back and not letting difficulties keep them down for long. They approach obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than shutting down.
Gratitude
People who embrace gratitude and make an effort to appreciate the good things (even simple daily pleasures) tend to be more positive overall. Look for mentors who exude an attitude of thankfulness.
Kindness
Positive people are also typically kind, compassionate individuals who treat others with respect. They spread positive energy through their warm, caring interactions.
Healthy Habits
What we eat, drink, sleep, and how we treat our bodies impacts our mindset tremendously. Good vibe mentors make self-care a priority through exercise, nutrition, and other wellness practices.
Where to Look for Positive Role Models
Accelerate your personal and professional growth by learning from mentors and role models who have achieved remarkable success.Now that you know what to look for in a good role model for positivity, where can you actually find these people? Here are some top places to look:
Your Existing Circle
The first and most obvious place to start is your existing friend group, coworkers, family members, and other folks already in your life. Make a mental note of who tends to have the upbeat, optimistic energy you’re seeking to emulate.
Local Communities & Organizations
Get involved with local interest groups, religious/spiritual communities, volunteer organizations, sports teams or recreation clubs. Surrounding yourself with people pursuing positive interests and goals increases your chances of finding inspiring role models.
Work Environment
Our work lives take up a huge portion of our time, so identifying positive role models in a professional setting can be particularly impactful. Look for mentors who exude the qualities above while also exemplifying strong leadership, excellent people skills, and a dedication to their craft.
Books, Podcasts, Online Communities
Don’t limit yourself just to people you can interact with face-to-face. These days, we can access uplifting voices and influences through books, podcasts, online videos, social media, and various online groups and communities as well. For example, seeking out an online positivity support group could put you in touch with potential role models dealing with similar struggles.
How to Reach Out and Connect
Once you’ve identified some positive role models you’d like to be influenced by and potentially learn from directly, the next step is to actually make a connection. Here are some tips for reaching out:
Start With an Introduction
If the person is someone you see and interact with regularly (coworker, friend, local community member), simply introduce yourself if you haven’t already met. Let them know you admire their positive approach to life and see if any natural rapport develops organically through conversation.
Attend Events and Gatherings
When it comes to connecting with role models locally, going to events and group gatherings they are involved with (e.g. a book club, fitness class, volunteer opportunity) is a great way to get to know them better.
Follow Them on Social Media
For public figures, thought leaders, authors, or people who maintain an online presence, start by following their accounts across various social media platforms. You can engage with their content, participate in discussions, and work on building a connection that way before reaching out.
Email or Direct Message
Don’t be afraid to politely email or direct message potential role models to express your admiration, ask thoughtful questions, and see if any mentoring possibilities exist. Most people are flattered by respectful requests for guidance.
Ask for an Informational Interview
For mentors in your desired career field or industry, requesting a brief informational interview is another professional way to learn from them directly while making an initial connection.
Nurturing the Mentor-Mentee Relationship
If a positive role model seems open to developing more of a mentor-mentee relationship with you, there are some key things to keep in mind:
Set Reasonable Expectations
Don’t expect too much too soon. Like any relationship, these connections take time to build. Start small by touching base periodically and looking for learning opportunities.
Be Respectful of Their Time
Recognize that mentors are generously giving you their time, energy, and wisdom as a gift. Never make excessive demands or take up more of their availability than they can provide.
Follow Through and Stay Engaged
Put any advice or guidance you receive from mentors into consistent action. Be sure to remain engaged by following up, expressing gratitude, and updating them on your progress.
Pay It Forward
As you gain more wisdom, experience, and achieve successes of your own under the guidance of your mentor, always pay that generosity forward. Help others who could benefit from your own experiences and the lessons you’ve learned.
The Impact of Good Role Models
While we can all benefit from positive role models at any age, they can be particularly impactful for young people still developing their sense of identity and values. That’s why it’s so important for parents, teachers, coaches, and other influential adults to strive to embody positivity themselves.
For those who struggle with negativity, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, surrounding yourself with people who exude hopefulness and optimism can provide a much-needed boost. Simply seeing living proof that it’s possible to approach life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience can be inspiring.
Making the effort to identify, connect with, and learn from positive role models takes work – but it’s an investment that pays incredible dividends. By proactively curating the influences in your life, you’ll amplify the vibes of gratitude, resilience, and joyful wisdom that keep your spirits lifted.
Read more: What are some good vibe tips for college students?
