Copyright (c) 2010 In the Current

Everyone Has a Story
I love to watch movies based on true stories, interviews on the Biography channel, and performers talking to James Lipton on Inside the Actors Studio. I think it's fascinating how lives evolve and how one pivotal decision —or one decision made repeatedly— impacts a person's destiny. I'm especially intrigued by their challenges, failures, espoused philosophies, risks taken, and moments of victory. To consider someone a model, you don't have to agree with everything that person has said or done, and everyone has foibles, yet it is the imperfections that often add to the remarkability of someone's story.

Who Has Done What You Want To Do?
Rick, a client who lives in Europe, aspires to run an internet business that would enable him to work, travel, and live in different countries. I asked him to think of people he knew who were working and living this way. What did they do? How did they think? What did they believe? As he looked for potential models, his research led him to three people who have each created a successful work-travel lifestyle and have established a forum (which Rick has now joined) to connect others who want to do the same. Who do you know who has done what you want to do? For example, someone who has: obtained a position you'd love to have, built a successful business, switched industries late in his career, managed to get into a company where there wasn't a job posted, reached a certain fitness goal, manages finances well, has a relationship you admire, balances her work and personal life, followed his passion, is an exemplary leader, or overcame a challenge you're experiencing.

A role model might be someone you know personally or someone you know of; it might be someone "average" or someone famous. Learn how they did it, be inspired by their story, and begin to believe that it is possible for you, too.

Hang Out with Your Models
Hanging out with your models may mean reading about them, watching a TV interview, or spending time with them in person. The idea is to observe them and "enjoy their company" in some way. As you do, take note of what obstacles they overcame, what inspired them, and what strengths they exercised.

Ask yourself: What do I appreciate most about this person? What is he or she modeling for me? What desire does this model ignite within me?

This Week: Who are your models? Think of a way to spend more time with them.