Role Models

We all have role models. And we think we could never be as impressive as they are. We could never reach such a high level... But you can live for ONE MINUTE by the same high standards they do. Once you do, you see that you could manage 10 minutes too. Even 30. Then an hour. Several, in fact. You do it — and one day, just for fun, you try living for A WHOLE DAY by the high standards of those extraordinary people. You do it. Then do it again. Then you try a week. After that, even a month no longer feels impossible. You can do it. And you keep going.

And one day you notice that... you have already been living like your role models for a surprisingly long time. Yes, you will always feel that you are still less than they are, that they are more accomplished. But let me tell you a secret — they think the same way. They too have idols they strive towards. You never quite catch them, but... you can always manage one more hour, one more day. A little more. And more.

And then, to your surprise, someone tells you that... YOU are a role model. You motivate them. You inspire them. Simply by acting the way you do each day. You want to tell them no, that deep inside you are not really that accomplished, that you are merely trying to make the best decisions right now, today. But you do not. Instead, you pat them on the shoulder and say: “Keep going. A little more. You can do it! You are powerful!”

Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Grandpa — it was wonderful to have my role models so close. To know from a relatively young age what truly matters in life. You remain my North Star — my lighthouse, always pointing me in the right direction. Every minute, every hour, every day.