Professional athletes, teachers, our parents: from a very early age you are told that surrounding yourself with role models is the best way to learn and get ahead. While this is often correct, the opposite can also ring just as true.

Often times when you surround yourself with role models who have already become successful in your eyes, it can be disheartening if you aren’t quite where you want to be. Yes, most of the time it is inspirational, educational, and enlightening but other times we forget that the rest of the world is full of everyday people who aren’t necessarily on the same path.

A Little Reminder

Sometimes you need a little reminder that although other experts in your field make your achievements seem insufficient, the knowledge you hold is special and unique as well. You bring a one-of-a-kind experience to the table that no one else has. Just because you spend time with people who can teach you valuable things doesn’t mean that you can’t do the same for someone else out there who is looking for the exact information that you possess. You can be a role model for anyone, even those who have inspired you.
This is something that Nick Thacker conveys very well in this guest post on ExpertEnough. You don’t need to know everything to be an expert, you need to know just a little bit more than someone else. It’s all about being confident in your abilities and showing the world what you have to offer.

At Success Measured, we aim to help people become leaders in their industry or organization by identifying a detailed and easy to follow action plan. We know that success is all about setting goals and breaking down the necessary steps to get from point A to point B and sometimes that means hanging out with the wrong people. Spend time with someone who can learn from you rather than someone you can learn from.

A Different Perspective

It may seem counter-intuitive if your goal is to be on the fasttrack and absorb as much new information as possible, but people outside your circle of influencers might be able to give you a different perspective. Teaching them something new will make you realize how valuable you are. And hey, let’s face it, everyone likes to feel important.
So, hang onto that feeling of authority and enjoy what is feels like to add value to someone else’s life. Let yourself enjoy being someone else’s role model. Then funnel that emotion through your personal brand and strive to create value again and again. Create your own vicious circle of success. I dare you.

Tell us. How do you feel that you add value to the world and what brings you the greatest feeling of confidence and authority?

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