When People Have No Shame Unfiltered

The Power of Being a Good Role Model: A Reflection on Character and Responsibility

Life is a journey without dress rehearsals, which is why it’s crucial to reflect on how we conduct ourselves each day. While everyone has off days, our true character is revealed in how we behave the majority of the time. Being a good person isn’t about perfection; it’s about striving to be decent, ethical, and responsible.

We all have the potential for greatness, but realizing it requires effort and determination. Sadly, some people embody traits that make them lousy role models—traits like unkindness, selfishness, and hypocrisy. These individuals think they’re above others, act without considering the consequences of their actions, and often shift blame rather than taking responsibility. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” This truth reminds us that our choices shape who we are.

Avoiding such pitfalls is essential. Instead, we should focus on kindness, integrity, and accountability. Hard work and determination, as Andrew Carnegie emphasized, are keys to climbing the ladder of success. When we fail to set a good example, especially for children, we risk teaching them to emulate our bad behavior.

Take ownership of your actions and decisions. When reflecting on your life, will you be proud of how you conducted yourself? George Eliot’s words resonate: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”

If you’re proud of the person you are, or know someone who could benefit from this message, consider sharing it. Being a good role model is a choice—one that can inspire greatness in others. As Frank Sonnenberg’s book, Leadership by Example, suggests, being a role model is about influencing others positively.

Reflect on your actions today and ask: Are you proud of the way you conduct yourself? The choice—and your legacy—are yours to own.