In previous articles we have considered great thoughts and great books, so now it is time to turn our attention to great people. Another one of the great universal truths is that the people we hang around with will shape the person we become. Great role models are sometimes already in our lives or at least readily available, but often they are not. There are times when we have to search out and persistently pursue a great role model.

Relationships still remain one of the greatest means of learning. If you consider the business world you quickly find that the Nations, the States and Provinces have set up apprenticeship programs. The students take courses in classes but then they have to spend a certain number of hours each year for 3 – 4 years before they become a journeyman in their field of study. Nothing seems to replace the personal teaching. Our modern day apprenticeship programs are certainly not a new idea. We have only to look back over history and see the apprenticeship programs of Europe and other countries. It is arguable that we do not have the master craftsman of the previous centuries. Our standards and length of apprenticeship programs do not equal those of the past.

We all start out with parents or, at least, adults as our role models in our life. For better or worse we had no choice in who are our parents. Also whether we like it or not our parents or the adults in our life have shaped us more than anyone else has. So, with that in mind we need to consider these important people. Many talk about how wonderful their parents were and then just as many or maybe even more talk about how painful their childhood was.

A very important piece of information we need to understand is that none of us had perfect parents. And with that in mind we have to make sure that we do not blame them or hold a grudge or get bitter about how they ‘trained’ us. Not to mention the fact that someday we will become parents and our children will decide if we were good teachers or not. While I did not have a terrible upbringing, in fact, it was quite good I do know people who have endured abusive childhoods. Those that are enjoying life and have become successful all have one thing in common. They had forgiven their parents and had chosen to forget the black clouds of the past. That was the only way they would be set free to live today.

A good place to start is to look back over your pathway of life. Try to remember four or five people who were great role models to you. Think of the reasons why you consider them great role models. What did they do for you? What did they say to you? How did they help you understand something or develop a skill? Think of the people who challenged you in your thinking and abilities. Think of the people who were simply there as friends. Think of those who encouraged you when you felt like quitting. These are the people who have formed the foundation for your life today. Gabrielle Whitney teaches of the importance of a good foundation.

Now you need to look forward. Who are the people you want to become like? Who are the people who are demonstrating the qualities and characteristics of a life you want to pattern? As much as is possible you need to be around those people. Remember those we hang around with we will pattern our life after. Maybe you are going to have to take the risk of asking that person if you can talk to them over coffee once a week. And tell them you want to find out what makes them tick. Maybe you’ll have to this by phone. Maybe you’ll have to do this even by reading their autobiographies and articles written about them. But you need to do it. You will not just automatically become like them. You must purpose to know them.

Chris Johnson is patterning his life after Dwayne Golden who is an entrepreneur and incredible teacher. Chris has chosen who he wants to become like and is willing to take the time to ‘hang around with’ Dwayne. He does this through teleconferences, webinars and seminars. Chris7580.edcgold com.

James Heller