Sarah made it big three years ago. She knew it would happen because she planned every step that it would take to get there. Now she was reaping the benefits of being a star in the media limelight. Sarah has everything she ever wanted but one important thing; how to handle being a star! After a number of media interviews it became all too apparent that Sarah was in it for herself. Why would this be an issue? Because as reporters follow her every move and continually shove microphones and cameras in her face, she responds by saying and doing things for shock value. Sarah believes to maintain her rightful place as one of America's up and coming mega stars, getting people's attention by shock value is what it's all about.
Just last week Sarah was horrified to find out that a teen that proclaimed themselves to be one of her biggest fans got arrested because of something Sarah had said a month before that the teen had acted upon. Yes, Sarah is a big star, but I would ask her this; 'What is the message you are sending out to not only your fans, but to the general public at large? Are you aware of what you stand for? What is your message?' Sarah responded in kind not too long ago when she said; 'I don't care what people think of me. They can take a hike as far as I'm concerned. I do what I want and my life is mine to live!'
Do you see anything wrong with this statement? Sarah doesn't, and that's where the problem lies. Her statement might work for someone who is living a quiet life out of the public eye in rural America, but not for someone whose photo is plastered all over magazine covers at the check- out stands of supermarkets across the country. What this starlet fails to realize is that being in the public eye automatically makes you a teacher and a leader. You have no choice in the matter. If you are a public figure, that's part of what comes with the territory. People will do what you say, they will follow your lead.
When it comes to the realm of public celebrity, this unfortunate type of issue occurs all too often. In an age where anyone can be a star overnight if their self-made shock-video goes viral, what are we teaching those who will eventually run the world in the near future? That's where you come in!
As a teacher, you are a public figure. A teacher (in the eyes of the student) is a leader, friend, parent and role-model, all wrapped up into one. Always make sure you are more than aware of the fact that students will follow your lead, no matter what message you are consciously or unconsciously communicating. Think back to when you were a student in school. Did you have a teacher that you never, ever forgot? If so, how and why did this teacher make an everlasting impression on you for the rest of your life? Most likely your answer comes from the fact that an effective teacher always teaches from the heart and has a positive, uplifting message to communicate. An effective teacher is a positive image and engages in positive imaging to create a better future. An effective teacher smiles because inwardly they know what life is all about. A teacher's message should motivate and lovingly challenge the student to be the absolute best they can be. Just when things appear to be lost, a teacher steps in and lets the student know that they have it within them to succeed. A teacher gets the student to feel good about themselves. A teacher stands for already being the success the student wishes to eventually become.
Don't ever forget that just by walking into your studio to teach a lesson, you have the tools and energy to change young aspiring student's lives forever. It all depends on you. Be true to yourself. Teach with your heart and strive to motivate your students to accomplish goals. The true reward in life comes from the knowing of having accomplished things that once seemed to be insurmountable. Mountains can be scaled, rivers can be crossed and dreams really do come true. You have the power to give the 'push' to the student that craves for your guidance to make something of themselves in life.
So who are you as a public figure? Are you Sarah who only cares for herself in her public life? Or are you a public figure who understands that you are a positive image that has the power to help make young dreams come true? It's all up to you. Wear your mantle well. You are in it for a reason. In making a difference in your studio you end up making a difference in the world. In making a difference in the world you end up making a profound difference within yourself. It's all connected in one giant circle, but it starts with a choice. That's what gets the circle moving. What is the choice? Only you know the answer; Are you Sarah or are you who you were truly meant to be?
Robert Landau has delivered over 2,100 presentations and workshops in over 20 countries in his 15 year speaking career. Besides having a full line of best-selling self-help products on his website, www.RobertLandauMotivation.com, Robert is a Positive Results Expert that works with individuals and businesses to help facilitate lasting positive, productive results.
