Why do we need people to look up to?

I think having role models gives us a sense of direction and motivation. When we see people overcoming challenges or achieving great things, it inspires us to do better and believe that it's possible for us too.

Who do people typically look up to?

Everyone's different, but often we admire people who have made a positive impact, like activists, leaders, or even someone close to us like a friend or family member who shows great strength or kindness.

How do I find someone to look up to?

Start by thinking about what values and qualities you find important. Then, look for people who embody those traits, maybe through books, podcasts, or social media. You'll know you've found someone when their story resonates with you.

Can someone you look up to change over time?

Absolutely! As we grow and our values evolve, it's normal for our role models to change too. Someone who inspires you now might not have the same impact in a few years, and that's totally fine.

Is it okay if I don't have anyone to look up to right now?

Of course! Inspiration can come from within, and you might just need some time to find the right person or story that speaks to you. It’s all part of the journey.

6 Inspirational People to Look up to ...

There are tons of different people to look up to, people that inspire you and people that will constantly influence your life. For me, these are 6 people to look up to that have been a huge inspiration in my life. While my inspirational people might be different from yours, take a look at mine and share yours in the comments! I'd love to know who and why the people you look up to are inspirational to you!

1. Rosa Parks

One of the best people to look up to and one of the most inspirational people to me is Rosa Parks. I am huge on rights and equality, especially since I am gay and I can't imagine what this woman went through on December 1st, 1955. She stood her ground, though, and that is one of the reasons why I look up to her – because I always want to stand my ground.

2. Emily Dickinson

I was a born writer, I've been writing since I can remember, whether it was little stories and fan fictions of my favorite band (Hanson!) or if it was poems. Poetry has been a huge influence to me and it's made me who I am today. So of course, Emily had a huge influence on not just my writing style, but my entire life. She's an amazing poet, an incredible woman and she went through a lot!

3. Oprah Winfrey

What list of inspirational people would be complete without Oprah? This woman – there are so, so many things that I could say about her. She's not only an incredibly influential woman, but she's known for her charities, known for her huge heart and she's known for her selfless acts. She's truly one of the women that I'd love to just talk to.

4. Nelson Mandela

Now, a lot of you might not know, but I was home-schooled and one of the biggest things my mom always taught me about was Nelson Mandela. He was not just the first black South African to hold office, he was one that wanted rights for everyone, he wanted to dismantle anything racist and make it a beautiful world.

5. Harvey Milk

Because I am gay, I can't have a list of inspirational people to look up without including Harvey Milk. He was not just the first openly gay person to be elected into office, but he is responsible for a lot of the headway we have made on gay rights now. While he didn't stick long in politics, he is still an icon and I look up to him!

6. J.K. Rowling

While most people believe that Harry Potter is just a book series, I think the fact that J.K. Rowling wrote the intro, the idea and sketched everything out on a napkin at a cafe is so inspirational. She's a legend now and it's not just because of the way she brought Harry to life, but it was because of all of the tricks, riddles and everything she put into the books.

Education plays intricate part in pursuing greatness. Whether you’re considering a master’s or PhD degree, staying motivated can be tough-especially when juggling research, work, and life. One of the best ways to stay inspired is by learning from others who’ve overcome their own academic or personal hurdles. And when the pressure gets intense, it’s perfectly okay to seek a little support. Some students choose to buy a thesis online to help manage the workload and stay on track with their goals. Resources like these can make a huge difference when you’re striving to achieve your full potential. Just like the people on this list, it’s all about finding the tools and inspiration that help you keep moving forward.

While these are just a few of the inspirational people that I look up to, do you have any more? Who do you look up to? Give it all up in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we need people to look up to?: I think having role models gives us a sense of direction and motivation. When we see people overcoming challenges or achieving great things, it inspires us to do better and believe that it's possible for us too.
Who do people typically look up to?: Everyone's different, but often we admire people who have made a positive impact, like activists, leaders, or even someone close to us like a friend or family member who shows great strength or kindness.
How do I find someone to look up to?: Start by thinking about what values and qualities you find important. Then, look for people who embody those traits, maybe through books, podcasts, or social media. You'll know you've found someone when their story resonates with you.
Can someone you look up to change over time?: Absolutely! As we grow and our values evolve, it's normal for our role models to change too. Someone who inspires you now might not have the same impact in a few years, and that's totally fine.
Is it okay if I don't have anyone to look up to right now?: Of course! Inspiration can come from within, and you might just need some time to find the right person or story that speaks to you. It’s all part of the journey.

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