If you want to be a role model to younger people, say goodbye to these 8 behaviors

Being a role model isn’t about being perfect, it’s about setting a good example.

And sometimes, that means saying goodbye to certain behaviors.

Now, let’s get one thing straight – nobody’s perfect. We all have our quirks and flaws. But if you want to guide younger people, you’ve got to be mindful of what you’re teaching them through your actions.

There are 8 behaviors, in particular, that can send the wrong message. And I’m here to tell you what they are, and why it’s time to let them go.

So, if you’re keen on becoming a positive influence for the younger generation, read on. Let’s start this journey towards being a better role model together.

1) Being judgmental

Here’s the thing about younger people – they’re still figuring things out. They’re exploring, learning, making mistakes, and discovering who they are. And they need room to do that.

Often, we adults have a tendency to be judgmental. We’ve been around the block and we think we know better. But truth is, our “wisdom” can sometimes come off as criticism or judgement.

When we pass judgement on others’ decisions or behavior, we’re not setting a good example. Instead, we’re teaching them to be defensive and closed off.

In order to be a positive role model, it’s crucial to replace judgement with understanding and empathy. Show them that it’s okay to make mistakes and that it’s part of the learning process.

2) Neglecting self-care

I used to think that working around the clock was the ultimate sign of dedication and success. I’d come home exhausted, with no time or energy left for anything else.

But one day, my niece asked me a simple question that hit me like a ton of bricks. She said, “Uncle, why are you always so tired?”

That moment was a wake-up call. I realized that I wasn’t setting a great example. In my pursuit of success, I was neglecting self-care and teaching her that work was more important than health and happiness.

Being a role model means showing younger people how to balance work, leisure, and self-care.

It’s about demonstrating that while hard work is important, taking care of our physical and mental health is equally crucial.

3) Avoiding difficult conversations

Did you know that the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for emotional responses, isn’t fully developed until around the age of 25?

This means that younger people can often struggle with understanding and managing their emotions, especially during difficult conversations.

As role models, we should exemplify the right way to handle these situations. This means not avoiding tough talks but rather, embracing them as opportunities for growth and understanding.

By demonstrating how to navigate difficult discussions with grace and empathy, we can teach them a valuable life skill that will serve them well beyond their youth.

So bid goodbye to avoidance and hello to open, honest communication.

4) Excessive complaining

We all have bad days and it’s completely normal to vent our frustrations now and then. But, when complaining becomes a habit, it can send the wrong message to the younger ones.

Excessive complaining can influence them to adopt a negative mindset and overlook the positive aspects of life. It teaches them to focus on problems rather than solutions.

To be an effective role model, it’s important to adopt and demonstrate a more positive outlook.

This isn’t about pretending that everything is perfect, but rather about focusing on solutions and expressing gratitude for the good things in life.

5) Not admitting mistakes

One of the most beautiful, yet challenging, aspects of life is its imperfections. We’re all humans and we all make mistakes.

But here’s where it gets tricky – admitting our own mistakes can be tough. It takes courage to say, “I was wrong” or “I messed up.” But it’s a lesson that’s worth its weight in gold.

Younger people are often afraid of making mistakes because they fear judgement or failure.

But when we openly admit our own errors and show them how we learn and grow from these experiences, we help them understand that it’s okay to mess up.

In fact, the most important part isn’t avoiding mistakes but learning from them. A role model who owns their mistakes and turns them into lessons is a powerful influence.

6) Not asking for help

There was a time in my life when I thought asking for help was a sign of weakness. I believed that I had to figure out everything on my own, no matter how tough it got.

But over the years, I’ve learned that seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness, but of strength. It takes courage to admit when we don’t have all the answers and to reach out to others for guidance or assistance.

As role models, it’s our job to show younger people that it’s okay to ask for help. This not only encourages them to seek guidance when needed, but also teaches them the value of collaboration and teamwork.

7) Being closed-minded

In a world as diverse as ours, being open-minded is not just a virtue, it’s a necessity. Being open to different opinions, cultures, and perspectives enriches our understanding and makes us more empathetic.

When we demonstrate an unwillingness to consider other viewpoints or ideas, we inadvertently teach younger ones to be rigid and inflexible.

This can limit their growth and insulate them from the richness of diverse thought.

As role models, it’s our responsibility to show them that being open-minded doesn’t mean agreeing with everything, but rather being willing to listen, understand, and respect differing views.

8) Lack of respect for others

Perhaps one of the most fundamental lessons we can teach younger people is the value of respect. And that starts with showing respect ourselves – to everyone, irrespective of their age, status, or background.

When we treat others with kindness, dignity, and consideration, we’re not only setting a positive example, but also teaching a crucial life lesson.

It’s a lesson about empathy, compassion, and the fundamental human dignity that each one of us deserves.

Final reflection: The power of example

As we navigate through life, it’s essential to remember that our actions often echo louder than our words. Particularly, when it comes to influencing younger people.

The psychologist Albert Bandura’s social learning theory posits that people, especially children, learn from the behaviors they observe in others.

This means that every action we take, every behavior we exhibit, sends a message to those who look up to us.

Being a role model is not about being perfect, but about consciously choosing behaviors that inspire growth and positivity.

It’s about showing compassion during adversity, maintaining integrity in temptation, and demonstrating resilience in hardship.

So as you reflect on these behaviors to say goodbye to, remember that the journey to becoming a role model is more about progress than perfection.

And perhaps most importantly, it’s about showing younger ones not just how to live, but how to live well.