Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. Steve Jobs
Imitation is a form of flattery, and we shouldn’t flatter just anyone. Instead, we can draw inspiration from our role models to improve our life and learn more about the way we want to be. However, one important observation is not to just copy whatever this role model does. Instead, we should only take the better qualities that they show and the behaviors that serve us well.
Think critically about what you want to imitate
The first thing you need to do is to think critically about the person you are choosing as a role model. What do you like about them? What is applicable to your life? What are the things that you don’t like?
Nobody is perfect, but we can still draw inspiration from those around us. You might choose someone you know or someone famous or even a historical figure. But as you do, evaluate critically the kinds of things that don’t work for you and the ones that do.
Go deeper
The next thing to consider is to go deeper and not just stay on the surface. When you are considering what you want to adopt, try to go beyond the surface traits and characteristics. Maybe you like how a public figure always seems to have a distinctive style, so don’t just try to copy the same style. Give it your own spin.
Going deeper also means analyzing why you are drawn to this particular trait, behavior, or aspect. Sometimes, it can help you discover something that is missing from your life at the moment.
Don’t idealize
Your role model is not going to be perfect. Even if they seem to be, they are probably not, because nobody can achieve that ideal state of being. They make mistakes, and they probably hold some beliefs or do some things that are not good for you.
Look at your potential role model through a lens that allows you to take the best and leave the rest. This balanced approach will also help you deal with disappointment if you ever find your role model doing something less than ideal.
For example, many people can admire a celebrity and become inspired to better their life. But then it turns out the celebrity has done something awful. Should all those people throw the baby out with the bathwater? Maybe for some, but it is also possible to keep the good and let go of the bad. Remember that people are just people, in the end.
Make it yours
Don’t adopt the trait or style blindly. Make it yours in whatever way you can, especially if you are seeking to imitate someone with a lot of money or access that is not easy to find. You don’t need to follow the pattern exactly but rather to adapt it to your own needs, situation, and desires.
When you see something you like and that you want in your life, consider it critically first. How can you adapt it for yourself? Will it fit within your budget, schedule, or even with your personality? Sometimes, that’s going to be a no, and that’s fine. But other times, you can see how this new thing can neatly fit within your current situation.
Don’t put yourself in a bad position
Imitation should never put you in a bad position. On one hand, this refers to the material side of things. Don’t try to pursue brands that your role model uses if it’s out of your price range. Many people spend more than they have to try and emulate someone, and that can do significant damage to your life.
Also, don’t try to push yourself to do things that just don’t live with you. Do only what feels good and right to you. The rest can be admired from afar, while recognizing that not everything works well for us.
