It's not easy being a role model.Just ask Michael Phelps. On the one hand - a 24 year old guy, goes to a frat party and takes a hit off of a bong. Hardly earth-shattering, and hardly unique.
On the other hand - winner of 8 gold medals at the 2008 Olympics, on the box of Kellogg's cereal, and looked up to by many big-eared, outcast kids who have a special and unique talent that may earn them the respect they deserve, rather than simple derision because they don't "fit in".
Unfortunately - the latter trumps the former. It wasn't the choice that Phelps made that deserves to be criticized... but rather, his lapse of judgement. Whether you think what he did is wrong or not, the biggest issue is not taking a toke... but rather, letting down all of the people who had looked up to him as the type of person that they want to be.
So, the next time you're out with your kids, your friends, your clients or your customers - consider how they look at you. Maybe right at that moment, ordering that double cheeseburger with onion rings isn't the best decision; or perhaps getting cross-eyed drunk and showing off your breakdancing moves in the middle of the dance floor should be best saved for another time. Maybe, just maybe - you should order the grilled chicken sandwich with a salad, or pull the "Houdini" and vanish after a couple of drinks.
It's not easy being a role model. But once you're in the position, you need to make a choice - commit to it, or remove yourself from it. Because walking the fence will only serve to hurt you, and those around you.
Don't take the responsibility lightly - you never know who's watching, or what they're going to do themselves based on what they see from you.
Step up - or step out.
~Guy
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