There is ample evidence that shows that people with good role models generally do better than those that don’t.

Recently, I heard from a guest speaker who was offering assistance to disadvantaged young people, via a breakfast club in schools.

Believe it or not, there are lots of children that turn up to school without food, or certainly with food with an inadequate nutritional value.

Unfortunately, in most cases these children lack positive role models within the family home.

The speaker spoke about some instances of neglect that were quite horrendous.

For some of these young people the future may well be bleak, if they choose to follow the example they see at home. Others, however, may choose a different path and thrive.

I admire people that have come from tough circumstances, and have consciously decided that they want to take a different path in life.

I admire people that have come from tough circumstances, and have consciously decided that they want to take a different path in life.

The person who started this charity is an amazing role model for the young people that his organisation interacts with. These kids are very fortunate to have someone like this, someone who said enough is enough, and decided to do something about it.

‘Following through’ is a character trait I admire in people. These are people that may choose to start a charity, or run a marathon, or get fit, or any number of other activities. The thing that sets them apart, however, is that they actually take action.

As the old saying goes, “talk is cheap”. Action is the only thing that counts.

In a farming context, role models are all around us.

Over the years, I have sought out people to learn from, some older and some younger, and quite a few in different lines of work to me.

I find that most people are happy to impart their knowledge if asked.

We make a lot of assumptions about whether we should approach people for advice or not, we may think they are too busy or wouldn’t care, or whatever.

My experience has been that people are more than happy to assist where they can. In reality, they probably had someone that helped them along the way as well.

We all need assistance from time to time. Some people are role models without even knowing it. They are normally the quiet achievers just going about their business with a minimum of fuss.

These people generally really enjoy what they do. It may be work related, or being involved in a community organisation, or any other endeavour. They normally have a smile on their face when you see them, and are more than happy to talk about what they do.

People that have a passion for what they do, and are driven by a purpose, are normally good role models, and a good place to start for anyone looking for advice.

All you have to do is ask.