My 8-year-old is an ardent Ronaldo fan. As soon as he gets home from school, he eagerly watches anything related to Ronaldo on TV. His admiration for Ronaldo is so strong that he mimics his facial expressions and style. Inspired by his idol, he’s even given up his favorite snacks, like cookies, in his quest to emulate Ronaldo. Not only is he carefully monitoring his diet to stay healthier, but he’s also practicing football on his own, in addition to his weekly training sessions.
I’m incredibly proud of his dedication and the positive changes he’s making.
This makes me wonder whether we always need to look up to someone else for motivation and success, or if we can also be our own role models. The short answer is yes—being your own role model is possible, but it can be incredibly challenging. It requires a high degree of self-awareness, self-discipline, and the ability to set and maintain your own standards
Sometimes I do reflect on whether I want to simply emulate someone else or strive to become the best version of myself. While imitating someone can be easier, becoming the best version of oneself is much harder. It involves assessing the current situation and figuring out how to improve each day. Embracing this challenge and striving to become a better version of themselves is a journey that demands continuous effort and self-reflection.
I’m currently inspired by my son, who is a passionate follower of Ronaldo. I’m blending both external and internal motivation in my own journey to become the best version of myself.
My guiding mantra now is: if an 8-year-old can be so dedicated, why can’t I be?