In society, we tend to idolize celebrities, musicians, actors, and other accomplished people. We place them on pedestals and admire them for their talents, attributes, and their achievements. Rarely, do we admire ourselves in the same light.

It is important to recognize yourself as an individual capable of success, of great talent, of uniqueness, and of being worthy.

It’s okay to be inspired by others but never undermine yourself. You are capable of amazing things. Finding motivation from within yourself and your own accomplishments is empowering. You have the power to be your own idol. You can become your own role model. Here are 10 steps to learn how.

1. Work through your weakness

Keep in mind nobody is perfect. Even your favorite celebrities are not perfect, no matter how perfect they may seem. Don’t allow your weaknesses to become your excuses. It is important that we take responsibility for our actions and admit when we are the ones who hinder ourselves. Instead of making excuses for your weaknesses, allow them to be the reason you strive for greatness.

2. Be open to opportunity

You cannot make it to the top without climbing the ladder. Each step you take gets you closer to where you wish to be. Opportunities are the steps that makeup the ladder of success. They are there for you to use if you take advantage of them. No matter how small something may seem, just know that you are getting something great out of it. The experiences, the knowledge, and the connections that you make throughout different endeavors push you closer to your main goal.

3. Be proud of yourself

One thing that comes with growing up is that there is not always going to be someone there to give you their approval. It is human nature to want positive reinforcement for our accomplishments. Not everyone is going to be happy for you, and not everyone is going to support you. It’s sad but it is our reality. Being a role model comes with being your own biggest fan. Feeling pride within yourself for your accomplishments, successes, and anything good that comes your way – without needing validation from others – is vital.

4. Learn from your mistakes

This is an important mindset to have: a setback is only a setup for something greater. Your mistakes do not define you and do not make you a failure. Allowing your mistakes to teach you and strengthen you defines you as a victor. If you allow you mistakes to be the reason you never prosper, you are completely accountable for that choice. A true role model is admirable for being able to own their mistakes, learn from them, and try not to make the same mistakes again. Don’t make excuses; make it happen.

5. Embrace your flaws

As mentioned before, nobody is perfect. No one is exempt from having flaws. We can’t allow ourselves to focus on our flaws and shortcomings. Don’t allow yourself to be discouraged by your flaws. You weren’t meant to be perfect at everything, just at being you. When you can embrace your flaws, they will set you free.

6. Use your time and energy wisely

You will inevitably become your environment. Who you surround yourself with, who you associate with, and who you interact with all influence you. My mother, Felicia Christopher, shared her thoughts:

“Making yourself a priority above all other distractions is the way to become successful.”

Don’t waste your time with people who don’t use their time wisely. Don’t waste your energy with people who don’t value themselves. If you are the smartest person in your group of friends, it’s time to upgrade your friends. You want to be immersed in positivity, encouragement, and success. Being a role model comes with the accountability of being mindful in who/what you choose to put your time and energy.

7. Keep your goals within view

We all admire our role models for the amazing things they were able to accomplish. There isn’t a difference in what you can accomplish compared to what they can accomplish. No goal can be achieved without putting forth effort. Effort is the fuel that progresses your goal into reality. Believe that you can, and you will. Believe in all your efforts, keep your focus, and you will see your goals accomplished.

8. Believe in the power of positivity

Having a mindset that things are working for you and not against you will get you far. Positivity is the practice of having an optimistic or positive attitude. This is so important, because without a positive attitude, it is easy to become discouraged. Throughout life, you will face different trials and tribulations, but it is up to you to determine what to make of them. You can allow things to get you down, or you can allow them to elevate you. Role models keep their heads held high even in the face of adversity; to be your own role model you must have the same attitude.

9. Don’t compare yourself to others

It is impossible to be someone else. You were made to be uniquely you – custom-made, one of a kind. Remember the fairytale, The Ugly Duckling? He tried so hard to be something he was not, until he discovered who he was truly meant to be. You will find yourself disappointed when trying to be someone that you are not. No one is perfect, and you shouldn’t compare your weaknesses to others’ strengths. You were meant to do and be things that only you can do.

10. Don’t feel intimidated by your dreams

Most role models are admirable because of the amazing things they have accomplished. Their goals must have seemed impossible until they achieved them. Dream big. It is that simple. No dream is too big, too crazy, or too impossible to accomplish. By believing in yourself, putting forth the effort, and keeping your positivity, you will surprise yourself at the things you are able to do.

Many of these steps have come from young women I have personally talked to about being a role model. One of the main elements that remains constant is to have self-confidence. Self-confidence is the faith in one’s own abilities, talents, and qualities. This ties all the steps together. To be your own role model you must look at yourself as being capable of being a role model.

Admire yourself for your imperfections and accomplishments. Love yourself for your uniqueness. Being your own role model is liberating. You can see yourself in the same light as your idols. You are a person worthy of being an example for others, as well as yourself. You are worthy to become your own role model.