Someone To Admire?
The Western world in particular is full of celebrity fascination and envy, something which I don’t think is particularly healthy. Especially when it filters down to those lowest level magazines and newspapers that thrive on dirt and gossip.
However, it can be a very healthy thing when we choose good role models for the right reasons. I’m not talking about idolising celebrities but simple positive role models that make us all aspire to be better people. It can also help to actively look for a role model when we want to achieve a particular thing. Want to lose weight in a healthy manner? Why pay any attention to celebrities known for selling fad diets or with weight problems of their own yet to conquer. Seek out those who have achieved what you want to achieve in the way you want to achieve it.
One celebrity I personally admire is Michael Jai White. A lot of you won’t know his name. But he has been in various movies and TV shows including The Dark Knight, Blood and Bone, Spawn and Arrow. That’s not why I admire him though – I admire Michael Jai White for his fitness, workout routines, dedication and martial arts skills (7 different black belts!). Those are just some of the things I personally identify with, admire him for, and aspire to.
It clearly therefore makes sense for me to take an interest in his career, to read what he writes, to watch interviews with him and understand how he achieved what he has so far. It wouldn’t make much sense for me to go out and buy an ‘Ab Circle Pro’, or whatever the latest crazy infomercial fitness device is, just because the person paid to appear in the advert says that it’s the best solution. No, if I want to achieve certain health or workout goals, I’ll find someone who has genuinely achieved those goals who I can trust – then find out how they got to where they are.
Encourage your kids to question the values of the celebrities they look up to (far more effective than telling them who not to like!), and to use exercise in their own lives to feel good – it’s a powerful tool.
Role models are powerful tools – use them for good.