Successful people avoid this terrible advice, says bestselling ‘Atomic Habits’ author: It’s ‘a very common pitfall’

At certain junctures in life, the suggestion to locate a role model likely crossed your path. However, acclaimed author James Clear contests this notion. He argues that the counsel to find a singular role model is flawed, advocating instead for the pursuit of a diverse array – a hundred role models, to be precise.


Clear underscores a prevalent pitfall he has personally encountered numerous times: the inclination to observe a successful individual pursuing a path you aspire to and then emulate their actions. Clear shared this perspective on Adam Grant’s “ReThinking” podcast, illuminating its shortcomings.

The challenge with replication lies in the inability to faithfully replicate the precise circumstances that underpinned the original person’s success, whether it involves fortuitous workplace connections or timely stock market gains.


In essence, the tactics that propelled a revered entrepreneur or role model to success may not seamlessly apply to your journey. Clear’s antidote involves sourcing a multitude of role models and dissecting commonalities.

Wendy Murphy, an associate dean at Babson College, coined the term “organizational anthologist” to describe this method in a 2016 Harvard Business Review piece. Murphy, who instructs on organizational dynamics, leadership, and negotiation, advises an analytical approach.


When identifying prospective role models to include in your repertoire, Murphy recommends posing inquiries like:

• How do they navigate situations?
• What competencies require refinement to effectively execute their roles?
• What sets them apart as industry leaders?

Another akin tactic stems from Lisa Skeete Tatum, CEO of Landit, a career coaching company. She proposes cultivating a “personal board of directors,” a curated assembly of individuals familiar with your character. This group aids decision-making, broadens networks, and introduces novel perspectives.

Tatum’s model comprises five key figures:

• A mentor
• An intimate friend
• A “sponsor” who advocates for your strengths when absent
• A “connector” who fosters relationships on your behalf
• A “point expert” who consistently furnishes insightful solutions

By scrutinizing the feedback from these advisors, recurrent patterns may emerge, encompassing suggestions for professional growth resources or uniform constructive criticisms.


Clear emphasizes the transformative nature of recognizing and heeding these patterns, viewing them as meaningful signals amid the cacophony of opinions and advice. In summary, diverging from the traditional path of a single role model, Clear champions embracing an assortment of influences and distilling universal principles from their achievements.

Source: cnbc.com