Get Yourself a Role Model
You are not meant to follow someone else’s path, you are meant to be inspired to create your own.
Who do you admire most in the world? Take a moment to think about it. Try to name not just one, but a few individuals you respect, people who’ve achieved something remarkable, either in their personal lives or by overcoming major challenges. These people don’t need to be famous; they might be someone close to you, someone whose strength and determination have always left a lasting impression.
We often hear about the dangers of role models, particularly in the context of Eating Distress/Eating Disorders. It’s true that the wrong influence can be harmful. But research and real-life experience also show us something equally powerful: role models, when chosen wisely, can become a vital source of strength, inspiration, and hope. They remind us that change is possible. They prove that success, whatever that means to you, is not out of reach.
Think of it this way: if someone else has achieved something incredible, there’s no reason you can’t do the same. It’s not about copying them, but about understanding how they did it. What strategies did they use? What mistakes did they learn from? What beliefs kept them going when things got hard? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, you can build on what others have already discovered.
Today, look through your own personal archive of role models. Think of the film stars who inspired you, the authors whose words moved you, the friends or family members who’ve overcome great odds. Even childhood heroes count.
Ask yourself: How did they do it? And what can I learn from their journey?
You don’t need just one role model. In fact, it’s often better to have several. Each person can teach you something different. One might show you how to persevere through failure. Another might teach you compassion or confidence. Someone else might simply inspire you to dream a little bigger.
When you’re in Recovery, or facing any kind of change, a role model can be more than just a source of motivation. They can be a roadmap, a reminder that transformation is real and possible. You don’t need to become them. You just need to believe, as they once did, that things can get better.
Affirmation: If anyone else can do it so too can I. It’s only a matter of strategy.
