Find Role Models and Mentors

Last week, we tackled a tough but transformative challenge: approaching every decision, interaction, and activity with love and humility.

How did it go for you? Was it a struggle in the moment, or did it feel like a weight lifting off your shoulders? Drop your experiences in the comments-We’d love to hear!

This week, we’re shifting gears to something equally powerful: surrounding ourselves with Role Models and Mentors. These aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re accelerators for personal growth. Let’s break it down, make it actionable, and back it up with some eye-opening stats on why this matters.

First, a Quick Reflection on Last Week

If love and humility felt awkward at first (like asking your best friend to be your “role model” in front of the camera—trust me, I’ve been there), that’s normal. But stick with it. These challenges build habits that compound over time.

This Week’s Challenge: Build Your Role Model & Mentor Lists

We’re focusing on people who inspire, guide, and elevate us. Here’s the difference:

• Role Models: Anyone from history, pop culture, or your inner circle who embodies qualities you admire. No permission needed—they can be dead, alive, or even fictional (as long as their story motivates you). Personal connection helps, but it’s not required.

• Mentors: Real guides who actively teach and support you. This requires a two-way relationship—think mutual agreement, not just admiration from afar.

Your Action Step: Grab your journal and make these lists.

1. Your Role Model List: “Who I Want to Be When I Grow Up”

Jot down everyone who’s ever sparked that “I want to emulate that!” feeling.

• Historical figures (e.g., Nelson Mandela for resilience).

• Modern icons (e.g., a CEO who’s mastered work-life balance).

• Everyday heroes (e.g., a teacher who changed your trajectory).

No limits—aim for 5–10 to start. Why? Role models provide a North Star without the pressure of direct interaction.

2. Your Mentor Lists (Two of Them!)

List A: Past Mentors Who’ve Already Shaped You

Focus on impact:

• Who gave you breakthrough advice?

• Who modeled success in a key area (career, relationships, health)?

• Highlight 3–5 with specific examples of their influence.

List B: Dream MentorsThe “reach for the stars” version. Who would you love to learn from if barriers vanished? (Pro tip: Bono’s taken—he’s my vocal rockstar mentor-in-waiting. We’ve never met… yet!)

Why Bother? The Proven Power of Role Models and Mentors

This isn’t fluffy advice—it’s backed by hard data. Here’s a roundup of key statistics showing measurable benefits:

• Academic and Career Success: A meta-analysis of 22 studies found that students with mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college and show significant gains in GPA and retention rates (source: Journal of Vocational Behavior, 2019).

• Professional Advancement: Professionals with mentors receive higher compensation (up to 25% more), get promoted 5x more often, and report higher job satisfaction (Deloitte’s Mentoring Survey, 2020).

• Youth Development: The National Mentoring Partnership reports that at-risk youth with mentors are 46% less likely to start using illegal drugs and 27% less likely to start drinking. They also improve school attendance by 52% and attitudes toward school by 37%.

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Founders with mentors raise 7x more capital and grow their companies 3.5x faster (Endeavor Insight, 2019).

• Overall Well-Being: Role models alone boost self-efficacy—people exposed to relatable success stories are up to 30% more persistent in pursuing goals (Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, validated in multiple studies, including Psychological Science, 2018).

These aren’t outliers; they’re patterns. Role models give you blueprints. Mentors provide personalized roadmaps.

Pro Tips to Make It Stick

• For Role Models: Consume their content—books, podcasts, biographies. Ask: “What would [Role Model] do here?”

• For Mentors: Start small. Reach out to past influencers with a thank-you note. For dream ones, engage indirectly (e.g., courses, events) while building your network.

• Avoid Awkwardness: You don’t need to announce it. Quietly adopt their principles.

Good luck with the challenge! Journal those lists, reflect daily, and watch how these invisible (or not-so-invisible) allies propel you forward.

What’s one name from your list already popping into mind? Share below, and let’s inspire each other. See you next week!