Most of us have icons that we look up to, people whom we want to be like. They can be famous figures, persons who are well-known ages ago or at present, they can be simple people we admire for certain reasons, they can be our parents or someone from the family. Some people look up to their teachers, others want to follow the path of influential historical figures like Plato, Aristotle, Hemingway, Mark Twain, Gandhi, Thomas Edison, Mozart, or Einstein to name a few. The list of names are endless.
It is okay to have an icon, someone we can take inspiration from in order to succeed. BUT we must consider certain factors in choosing.
1. VALUES
Does/Did this person have positive values that can help me become a better person?
2. LIFESTYLE
Does/Did this person promote a healthy and positive lifestyle ?
3. RELATIONSHIP
Does/Did this person have healthy relationships with his/her family, friends, and colleagues?
4. LESSON
What lesson/s can I learn from this person that can help me achieve my goals?
5. CONTRIBUTION
By having this person as an inspiration, what can I contribute to the fund of knowledge or the world (even in my own simple ways)?
6. IMPACT
What positive impact did this person have in my life that I want to be able to pass on to other people?
7. SPIRITUALITY
Does/Did this person live his/her life to glorify and honor the Creator?