This article is the start of a new series dedicated to mentorship and modeling inspirational figures. A model helps align your behaviors today, with the person you want to become in the future.
All men need a mentor. Unfortunately, a good mentor, who cares, and understands a body of knowledge–enough to pass the wisdom to a student is rare. Mentors are hard to come by: but models are everywhere.
A model is an indirect mentor. You see someone; you like their lifestyle. Maybe it's the rock–Dwayne Johnson; could be Winston Churchill, too. You think: Hey. I like what that guy is doing over there. I want to get there too.
They may have fast cars and mansions; a family, with a few dogs; or, they're an accomplished artist in a field you thrive on–like writing or film. You'll find most of the people you want to model exist in a trade you're fond of.
Your model serves as a lighthouse. Life is confusing. When you're young; hell, even when you're old you have no idea what you're doing. But, you control what you do today. And if you have an idea of what you want your life to be like, or, who you want to be like–your model–You'll know the decisions you need to make today to get somewhere else tomorrow. Or, where you want to be in ten years.
The series will focus on individuals who achieved great feats.
Greatness, and, what fulfillment means is unique to the individual. You may see an Olympic gold medal as a joke; but having three kids, in a loving, stable home is the greatest aspiration a man can inspire too. Both are valid.
your truth is unique to you.
Your mission is un-explainable; it can't be compared to another mission–nor will anyone understand the greatness you hope to achieve: why it's crucial to stop comparing yourself to others and instead compare yourself to the person you were yesterday. And, to never tell your goals to those who don't have any goals themselves; or people who don't support you. Losers hate seeing others succeed. They'll twist your thoughts into a triple sailor's knot so you can't make sense of your goals anymore.
You can compare others against one another until, let's say, six years old–give or take a few years up or down. At some point all human experience diverts and your freedom compels you to different actions than your peers. You're different. So are your goals an ambitions.
Find a model. Analyze the traits you admire. Build them.
Your model doesn't need to be a real person. Stories are as real–if not more real than normal life. Characters like Tony Soprano have a wealth of knowledge embedded in a complex character. Tony, needs to balance his life of crime while trying to be the best father he can be. Complex.
Don't worry if your mentor is imaginary. Your mentor/model can be animated even. Or a family member. It doesn't matter. What matters is you select an icon to help you become the greatest version of yourself.
Many people look up to Henry Ford–a business man and the American inventor of the automobile. No one alive today has ever met the man. He's a character to us today: no different than Tony Soprano.
Harvey Weinstein – You can model your life around who you DON'T want to be too.
The first post in the series is on David Goggins. The best quotes from some interviews David conducted recently. You can learn a lot about a man's perspective from his quotes, from his truth.
Watch this video about David Goggins. Real inspiration–not motivation.
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