The Life You Lead Becomes The Lessons You Teach.
Our actions hold weight. Whether we like it or not, people look up to us. It doesn’t matter if it’s our children, our friends, our colleagues, our spouses, or just people we see at the gym. Our actions could possibly change the course of another person’s life.
Being a parent is not only life-changing because it means you now have diaper duty. Being a parent means you now have a new set of eyes watching you; learning how the world works, and how to interact with it.
Likewise, spouses and family members respect your choices and rely on your expertise to help them manifest the best version of themselves.
We Emulate Those We Respect.
As a personal trainer, I often have people from all areas of my life looking up to me for fitness and nutrion.
If I’m not living up to my highest standard, that will be reflected in how others behave. For example, if I’m working out just so that I can eat junk food without guilt, I wouldn’t be acting in the interests of my health. My clients would emulate that behavior, my husband could adopt that behavior, and so on.
Something as simple as throwing away a piece of garbage someone left behind, or returning a shopping cart to the store for someone could have a deep impact on those around you.
Acting in the best interests of yourself and those around you gives others license to do the same without fear of judgement, or fear of vulnerability.
Parents Have The Greatest Responsibility.
Parents are watched 24/7. Just ask any parent who needs to use the bathroom.
Children will follow you everywhere, ask you a million questions, and emulate everything you do. I remember trying to do “office work” to emulate my mom as a kid.
If you’re actively seeking health and wellness, your child might join you for a workout. Likewise, kids eat what their parents eat. If you’re pounding Burgers and Fries, your child is not going to be asking for Salmon and Asparagus.
Bad behaviors, like arguing with your spouse, screaming into the telephone, slamming cabinets, or throwing temper tantrums will also be reflected in your child’s behavior. They assess how you interact with the world around you so that they can learn to communicate similarly.
Parent’s have the responsibility of conducting themselves in an aboveboard manner. Ideally, one that reflects their best interests, the interests of those around them, and prioritizes the character traits they would like to see their children adopt as successful adults.
Teach them to cook, teach them to use their words, teach them to play, indulge their curiosity, and help them socialize well through your actions.
If We Don’t Put Our Best Selves Forward, No One Else Will Either.
Humans are social creatures and all have the same need to fit in.
Putting your best self forward, much like with parents to children, offers others the freedom to follow suit. The Bystander Effect is proof of this. Everyone stands idle while an event takes place, simply staring. It’s YOUR job to break it. Don’t be the bystander. Give others license to jump in, by taking initiative and jumping in.
Offer help, smile at a stranger, pick up litter, go back to school, pay for the next person’s coffee, do SOMETHING!
Actions have a ripple effect. The person whose coffee you just bought might’ve been having a terrible morning, but you just gave them the push they needed to help their neighbor move his couch to the truck; thereby avoiding impending back injury that kept him from taking his dream job as a professional football player. Who knows?!
The Moral? Go Be Your Best Self.
Not only will you thank yourself, you never know who’s watching.
Good Luck and Stay Buff,
Elizabeth McLeod