Are You Worth Imitating?

The older I get, the more aware I have become of the responsibilities I have been given as I age. The past two years have taught me more than I thought possible. I know many are sick and tired of Covid, no pun intended, but for me, I have seen it as an opportunity to grow mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. I have read more books these past two years than I have my entire life. I have begun writing a lot more. I have started to take my health more seriously. I have pushed myself to become better. Through it all, I am left wondering, “Am I someone worth imitating?”

I am a firm believer that leadership is not a title or position one holds, but rather a way of life in which we conduct ourselves. I also believe that it is a leader’s responsibility to raise up other leaders. When I look at my life and take stock in all of the people I influence on a daily basis, it becomes quite clear that my actions, words, and deeds have a more significant impact than I think. Does what I say, what I do, how I respond promote a way of life worth imitating? I would like to think so, but as I sit here reflecting on past social media posts, conversations I have had with close friends, and even my own parenting, I can’t help but feel a sense of shame knowing that I have missed the mark on many occasions.

I long to live a life that people want to imitate. I want to live a legacy that people will want to be a part of. I want to lead in a way that encourages others to do what is right, live with integrity, be humble, and most importantly, live a selfless life. However, all of that starts with me. I must be the example I want others to follow. I must live in the way I want others to live. I must be a person worth imitating. 

I have made many mistakes, and will probably make more, as I am a continual work in progress. However, this is where humility comes in. I will miss the mark, and I will make mistakes, but I must have a heart and spirit of repentance. I must strive to be better. I must humble myself, admit my faults, and work on becoming a better man, husband, father, friend, and leader, than I was yesterday. 

I need to ask, “What kind of human beings do I want my children, my wife, my friends, and my colleagues to be?” I want my children to grow up doing what is right, having a heart of service, and to be humble in their attitude and actions. I want my wife to do whatever it takes to make our relationship work, be willing to follow me because she knows I have her best intentions at heart, and I want her to be loving and trustworthy. I want my friends to be loyal, trustworthy, and honest. I want them to be respectful and encouraging. I want my colleagues to work hard, be positive, and do what’s best for students.

This sounds like a pretty tall order, but the truth of the matter is that all of that depends on me. What I want from other people needs to be what I do on a daily basis. I need to live a life worth following, and I must hold myself accountable first. It’s more than treating others the way I want to be treated. It’s more about living a life I want others to live. The responsibility lies with me. I must purpose within myself to be an individual, a leader who lives a life worth imitating.

As always, stay humble and serve well!