Behind the Curtain: Getting to Know Your Idols

Have you ever looked up to someone in your community, only to find out later that they weren't who you thought they were? We all have our idols, but do we really know them? It's easy to be taken in by the charismatic personality, attractive aesthetics, or innovative techniques of someone we admire, but is there more to the story? In this blog post, we will explore the cautionary tale of getting to know your idols beyond their image. We will dive into what it means to really understand the people we look up to and why it's important.

Who are your idols and why do we idolize them?

I had an amazing double opportunity kind of week last week - one where I had the chance to meet two of my idols all within the same 7 days. The first is a local icon of sorts and the other has a more worldwide celebrity status. Now to be fair, even though I met and listened to both of them present on their area of expertise, I didn't get either of their phone numbers nor was I asked to a private coffee chat by them or their agents. But what I learned about who they are through their authentically unpolished, off-the-cuff talks had me asking more questions about my own judgement than anything else.

The truth is, we all have idols. People we admire and look up to, whether it be a business leader, a musician, an athlete, or even a family member. And there's nothing inherently wrong with that - it's natural to seek inspiration and guidance from those who have achieved what we hope to achieve. But the danger lies in idolizing without truly knowing.

The Danger of Idealizing without Knowing

We often fall in love with the image that's presented to us, whether it be through social media, interviews, or public appearances. We forget that there's a real person behind the facade - someone with flaws, insecurities, and struggles just like the rest of us. And when we idolize without discernment, we run the risk of creating an unrealistic standard for ourselves and others, or even feeling let down when our idols don't meet our expectations.

That's why it's so important to get to know your idols on a deeper level - to peel back the layers of the image and discover the authenticity that lies within. Whether it's through researching their life story, following their social media, or attending a behind-the-scenes event, there are countless ways to gain a greater understanding of who your idols really are.

Do you recognize this celebrity writer?

I’ll give you a hint, if it’s not me it’s _______.

From the two idols I learned more about last week, I can fairly say I am even more impressed with the celebrity-status author (You'll find a picture of her and the infamous Paul Trimblay - see if you recognize this award-winning psychological thrillist) and less than impressed (more like on red-flag alert) after meeting my locally-based icon. However, if I hadn’t taken the opportunity to hear both of them speak, my opinions and recommendations for them would have stayed stagnant. Never more confident to recommend the books or films made by the one creator. Never more cautious about making referrals to the other.

The Importance of Getting to Know Your Idols

When you take the time to get to know your idols better, you have not only a clearer image of they are but the person you want to be. Whether its through discernment that you recognize a fault in your judgement or challenge yourself to less conclusive about someone’s character based off surface-level interactions or by pin-pointing characteristics you respect about your idol you learn more about your own person.

For example, I was extremely delighted to hear how down-to-earth and real our celebrity writer was in both her real and professional life. She described her experience of having her novel series turned into a streaming made-for-tv one from the eyes of the average Jo-Ann. Hearing her talk about the process, seeing the set, meeting the actors for the first time, and even her story of where she was and how she reacted to the news that her novel had been picked up for adaptation was heartwarming and very grounded to say the least. My respect for her expands past her creative abilities now and instead is all-encompassing around who she is as a person, her values, and what she deems important in the creative process. I am more assured than ever that I have more to learn. More bravery to pack on. And definitely, more questions to be answered.

Ways to Get to Know Your Idols Better

While it may seem challenging to truly get to know your idols, there are a few ways to bridge that gap and gain a deeper understanding of who they really are. One important aspect is discernment - the ability to separate the public image from their personal lives. This requires a critical eye and a willingness to question the narratives that are presented to us. It's essential to remember that what we see on social media or in interviews may not always reflect the full reality.

For me, I sought out opportunities to see them in real life. Attend conferences, seminars, or events where they are speaking or presenting. This provides a unique chance to witness their expertise firsthand and interact with them on a more personal level. Additionally, attending live events often allows for behind-the-scenes glimpses that reveal their true character and dedication.

Don't hesitate to engage with your idols on social media platforms. Many influencers and industry leaders are active online and are open to connecting with their fans. Interacting with them through comments, direct messages, or participating in their live streams can provide valuable insights into their personality and beliefs.

Lastly, consider researching and reading interviews or biographies about your idols. These sources often delve deeper into their backgrounds, experiences, and philosophies, helping you understand their journey to success and the challenges they faced along the way. This research will enable you to develop a more comprehensive perspective on who your idols are beyond their public persona.

Remember, getting to know your idols better requires active effort and a desire to look beyond the surface. By utilizing discernment, seeking real-life interactions, engaging on social media, and researching their stories, you can gain a more accurate understanding of who they truly are.