This week, let’s think about MODELING. No, not fashion modeling!
I’m talking about the kind of modeling that people need in order to optimize their growth and performance.
We know how this works. When we’re trying to learn how to do something, it’s helpful, even necessary, to WATCH someone do what you’re aspiring to do.
As a young boy who grew up around sports, it probably started by watching my heroes play baseball on TV. Then going outside and testing out a new batting stance I just saw.
Many years later, when I was training at a karate dojo, I remember as a lower-ranked belt, closely watching and admiring the crisp, precise, powerful movements and techniques of the seasoned black belts.
I NEVER would have progressed in my learning the proper way of performing the techniques in the curriculum if I hadn’t watched them. And studied them, absorbing and digesting how they did things.
And then tried to mimic them. “My posture should be more upright”. “Relax more”. “Oh, I see how he finishes his technique–extend fully”.
I remember being envious, in a good way. It motivated me to train and improve. I wanted to be like them. And whenever I practiced alone, the “mental movie” of how they performed was very present in my mind. It made me better.
Of course, it would also lead to frustration: “Why doesn’t my karate look like Sensei’s??”
Once in the earlier days, the sensei observed my frustration and asked, “What color is your belt?” I said, “Yellow”. He said, “Exactly. You don’t have the right to be frustrated yet, you’re just starting. I’ve been doing this 35 years. That’s why it’s easy for me.”
Ok, reality check.
But while this frustrated me, it also motivated me. My karate could look like my teacher’s karate, one day, with enough diligent practice!
Another example. Much earlier in my career, as a young man, I was in a job that afforded me the opportunity to work closely with men struggling with a particular issue. Through this job, I was able to get clarity on my career path, eventually leading to grad school for my counseling degree.
One thing that sealed the deal for me was watching how a psychologist who worked there navigated his way through difficult situations with such grace and personal power.
It wasn’t even his clinical abilities, which he had a ton of, that I was dialed into. No, it was how he communicated with people, especially in “hot” situations.
Often after watching him, I’d reflect on what he just did. “How did he defuse that crazy situation so effortlessly??” I took plenty of mental notes. I’m pretty sure, geek that I am, that I even made physical notes.
I was intentional to digest and internalize what I observed.
And I could go on and on about other models and mentors that I’ve had. I’m convinced that this kind of modeling has been essential for my growth, in all areas of my life.
What about you? How has modeling helped you grow and develop?
And what about now? Are there still things you’re trying to learn? Who are you watching?
By the way, we can also have models who we don’t even know. What about YouTube? I watch so many videos on martial arts and boxing. As well as videos on fitness, strength-building, guitar, harmonica . . . this kind of modeling has helped me, too.
My final question for you: who are you a model for? Of course, you may not know! Perhaps someone is quietly observing how you do things in your areas of excellence.
And perhaps you have a more “official” role as a mentor with someone. If not, consider doing so if the opportunity arises.
Sometimes we forget, but our expertise has been hard-won and gained by a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, and we’ve all appreciated so much when an older, seasoned veteran came alongside us and showed us how to do something better.
Pass it on.
Well, that’s it for now. Take good care of yourself, and keep growing!
Sean
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