The 3 role models you need
Most people think success comes from finding the perfect mentor.
That’s not how real growth works.
I recommend building three different role models in your life:
🟡 Someone 10 years younger than you
They remind you what starting feels like. The fear. The questions. The courage it takes to move before you feel ready. You don’t just teach them, you reconnect with your own growth edge.
🔵 Someone 10 years older than you
They’ve lived through the cycles. They see patterns you can’t yet see. Their advice saves you time, energy, and expensive mistakes.
🟢 Someone 10 steps ahead of you
Not a celebrity. Not someone untouchable. Someone close enough that their path is still usable. They prove what’s possible without the fantasy.
In my own experience, surrounding yourself with these three distinct role models offers a unique blend of inspiration, wisdom, and realistic guidance that’s hard to find in a single mentor. Someone ten years younger brings fresh energy and reminds you of your early struggles and ambitions, reigniting your passion and empathy. Engaging with them not only helps them learn but also reconnects you with the courage it took to start your journey. Having a role model ten years older is like gaining a seasoned navigator for your path. They’ve encountered challenges you haven’t yet faced and can identify patterns and pitfalls from their life cycles. Their advice often prevents you from costly mistakes and saves valuable time and energy, proving invaluable in your personal or professional development. Finally, connecting with someone just ten steps ahead of you offers a practical glimpse of what lies ahead. They are accessible and relatable figures whose success paths are still relevant to you. Unlike distant celebrities, they represent achievable goals and serve as tangible proof that your aspirations are within reach. This multi-layered mentorship approach fosters continuous learning and growth from multiple perspectives. It encourages you to embrace humility, curiosity, and perseverance. By soaking up insights from these role models, you can navigate your journey with greater confidence and adaptability, turning possibilities into achievable realities.
