Someone wise once said: Everybody teaches us something. Some how we want to live. Others how we don’t.
I’m impatient. It’s a character flaw, plain and simple.
And while I don’t beat myself up about my impatience, it’s something I actively work to improve.
When I’m impatient—whether with the slow speed of service at a restaurant or waiting in line at the grocery store—it’s easy to forget I’m setting an example.
I’m either a role model you want to imitate or I’m reminding the person at the next table over or in line behind me of who they don’t want to be.
Because we are all examples. How we treat others is an example. How we treat ourselves is an example.
Albert Einstein said, “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others, it is the only means.”
Which means we’d better be conscious—and careful—of the example we set. Of the influence we wield.
For instance, are you an example of self-care or self-neglect? An example of positivity or cynicism? Of kindness or callousness?
What influence does your example have on those around you?
Here’s your mini mission
Decide what you want to be an example of today.
Love. Curiosity. Service. Self-Care. Motivation. Resilience. Joy. Courage. Gratitude.
You can choose anything, but focus on just one thing. And then keep it front and center for the next 24 hours.
You’ll be an example today. Will you be a role model or a cautionary tale?
