The Power of Emulation: Accelerating Growth Through Role Models

In the pursuit of personal and professional development, we often encounter skills or situations where we feel "less secure." Whether it is mastering a new public speaking engagement, navigating complex office dynamics, or simply refining our personal aesthetic, the path forward can feel daunting. In a recent episode of Before Breakfast, Laura Vanderkam offers a practical and transformative strategy: identifying a role model and intentionally modeling your behavior after them.

The Concept of Strategic Emulation

The core premise is simple yet profound: you do not need to reinvent the wheel when you are trying to do something new. Instead, find someone you believe performs that specific task well and “model yourself on that person.” Crucially, you do not need a personal relationship with this individual. You only need to know enough about them to “picture” their approach. By holding this mental image, you create a powerful reference point for your own decision-making.

Practical Applications in Daily Life

Vanderkam outlines several areas where this technique acts as a blueprint for success:

• Style and Aesthetics: If you are struggling with self-presentation, pick a “style icon”—such as Jackie Onassis or Michelle Obama—and use them as a filter. When deciding on an outfit or a purchase, simply ask, “What would my style icon do?” This simplifies choices and ensures a consistent, confident look.
• Professional Competencies: For those entering new professional arenas like writing a newsletter, posting on LinkedIn, or leading meetings, finding a role model allows you to study their “tone” and their methodology. Observing how they “kick off” a meeting or how they incorporate “planned humor” provides a template that removes the guesswork from your performance.
• Navigating Social and Workplace Hurdles: In “sticky situations” like office politics or hosting dinner parties, turning to the behavior of a known expert—a colleague who handles conflict well or a friend who is a “rock star host”—provides an immediate, reliable script for how to act.

From Imitation to Authenticity

A common fear is that emulating someone else is inauthentic. However, Vanderkam argues that this process is actually a bridge to becoming a better version of yourself. Drawing a parallel to Amy Cuddy’s famous TED Talk on body language and the concept of “fake it until you become it,” the podcast suggests that initial imitation eventually hardens into natural behavior.

By consistently asking, “What would my role model do?” you are not attempting to become that person; rather, you are adopting their strategies until they become your own. Over time, you might even “tweak their behavior” to better suit your unique personality and needs. As you practice this, the actions that once felt forced will eventually feel “natural to you.”

Conclusion

Emulation is not about losing your identity; it is about accelerating your mastery. By selecting a “good fit” as your guide, you gain a framework for confidence. As Vanderkam concludes, whether you are trying something new or seeking to bolster your confidence in familiar territory, finding a role model is the fastest way to start performing with style. By leveraging the wisdom of those who have already mastered the skills we desire, we move closer to making the most of our time and reaching our full potential.