Role Models and High Performance: A Guide to Shifting Your Mindset

Do you have a role model? Someone you look up to? A person who has helped shape your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in certain situations?

According to sociologist Robert Merton, a role model is someone whose behavior, example, or success can be emulated by others. A role model serves as an example to follow, consciously or subconsciously.

The Impact of Role Models on High Performance

Now, let’s consider how role models influence our mindset, particularly in high-performance scenarios. The way we think, feel, act, and perceive when faced with performance challenges can often be shaped by those we look up to.

The key is being selective and reflective with the models we choose. High performers understand the importance of being intentional about the thoughts, behaviors, and actions they adopt.

They are very role model selective, they understand that experiential and vicarious learning can leave a lasting impact on their mindset and behaviors, especially when dealing with high functioning anxiety or overcoming self-sabotage. For example, the experience or observation of how someone manages stress can influence how we react in similar situations.

B

eing role model reflective is also crucial, high performers question where and from whom they’ve learned specific patterns of thinking and behavior. This is especially important when it comes to mental performance therapy or mindset coaching, where identifying and shifting limiting beliefs can be key to high performance.

The Role of Role Models in Overcoming Perfectionism and People-Pleasing

Role models are not just those who possess qualities we admire; they are often those who have influenced us, either consciously or subconsciously. The way we think, feel, and act, especially when under pressure or facing challenges, can often be traced back to a role model.

However, many people struggle with overthinking, perfectionism, or people-pleasing because they don’t have healthy role models for handling these behaviors effectively. Without a clear model for handling challenges with a resilient mindset, people can find themselves trapped in cycles of self-doubt and overachievement driven by anxiety or fear of failure.

How to Become Role Model Selective and Reflective

To improve performance and mental resilience, consider the following:

1. Assess Your Models: Look at the thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and responses you exhibit in high-pressure situations. Are these aligned with your performance goals?

2. Address Your Models: Focus on adjusting unhealthy models, especially those that fuel self-sabotage or stress addiction. When you’re mindful of your role models, you can challenge the ones that no longer serve your high-performance goals.

3. Access High-Performance Models: Seek out role models who represent the qualities of high performance that you aspire to. These models should exemplify resilience, balance, and clarity when faced with challenges.

Reflection Time

Where did you learn that? Or, who taught you how to think, feel, and act in certain situations?

Performance Tip: Examine your role models for effectiveness, and ensure they align with the mindset required to thrive. If a role model contributed to a behavior like perfectionism or self-sabotage, it might be time to shift your perspective.

And, just as importantly…

What are you modeling? Who are you a role model to?

If you find that your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors are hindering your mental wellness or performance goals, it might be time for a change.

Get support with mindset coaching to reframe your approach to success and mental clarity.

Check in with Dr. V

Let’s shift your mindset and redefine your performance model.