What You Admire in Others Tells You So Much About Yourself

Who do you admire most, and what specific traits do you find most admirable? The answer can say a lot about who you are and what you value.

I was recently re-reading Hylke Faber’s “Taming Your Crocodiles” where he makes reference to the importance of this question and how these traits are core to who we are and who we want to be. If we see these traits in others, we have potential for them in ourselves.

My list starts with the ultimate servant leader, Jesus Christ. He gave everything despite a world that didn’t believe or appreciate. Faith – in whatever you believe – is central to so many of us and gives us hope.

My pastors. They always know what to say and are supportive.

My wife. She inspires me to be a better man and husband every day.

My parents. My Mom is the model of resilience and selflessness and my Dad is the ultimate coach, teacher, and friend.

My Grandma – she was tough as nails and called it how it was.

Then there’s James Bond. During my awkward teenage years, he was the invincible, never failing hero I wanted to be; then he transformed into a tireless servant feeling his age.

There’s Michael Jordan – the greatest competitor and student of the game ever. When he lost, he rebuilt his strategy and won.

Then there’s some of the oddities or misfit toys; like phenom Rick Ankiel who came up hot with the St. Louis Cardinals 20 years ago and was a hotshot rookie pitcher who got the yips, toiled in the minors and came back as a homerun-hitting, hard-throwing outfielder.

There’s great historical leaders, coaches and managers I’ve had – people who inspired me and made me feel like a fit.

Who do you admire, and why – and what does that tell you about how you could be showing up differently for yourself or others?

Think about it!

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