From an early age, I have watched self-development gurus highlight the importance of having role models in our lives, I have also read numerous articles on personal growth explaining the importance of looking up to someone who resonates with who we want to become.

I grew up watching Oprah and Dr. Phil shows, I followed celebrities and mentors on social platforms, and to tell you the truth, they were really motivating, so I aspired to become like them!

I realized years later, that no matter how many inspiring people I followed, no matter how many books I read and TV shows I watched, I was ultimately shaped by the true role models in my life, the people ‘around’ me. To mention a few, the ones in my family circle, teachers and classmates, and those in my social network, whether they were inspiring or uninspiring, whether they triggered or challenged me.  

We don’t choose our role models, they choose us!

Our brain gets programmed and conditioned by the behaviors of those around us. Therefore, we start noticing ourselves copying some of those behaviors caught unconsciously, although we have consciously stated that their behaviors do not resonate with us. This phenomenon is known as “The Chameleon Effect”.

‘The Chameleon Effect’ is a normal unconscious imitation of other people’s behaviors; when we engage with others for a prolonged period, we start picking up some of their behaviors, gestures, and even facial expressions.

Bottom line, we end up being influenced by the people closest to us, even if we disagree with them on every level possible, and still we find ourselves inspired by role models to break through and break FREE.

Change is possible
Deprogramming is possible
Replacing our thoughts, words, and actions is possible.

The first step is to gain awareness of who you are and who you aspire to become, then start constructing yourself consistently, one thought at a time.