Life is My Classroom: How I’m Using Modelling to Create Better Outcomes

Ever watched someone handle a tough situation with total grace and thought, Wow, I wish I could do that? Me too, well we are all a work in progress :-)

Lately, I’ve been paying attention to how people respond, adapt, and succeed, and I’ve started using what I call the “Life as a Classroom” approach.?It’s about modelling?the behaviours, thought patterns, and habits of those who get?the outcomes I want—whether it’s staying calm under pressure, communicating more effectively, or simply being more present in the moment.

Playing is Learning (Even for Adults!)

Remember when you were a kid, and learning was just… play? You pretended to be a firefighter, a chef, or an astronaut, and without even realising it, you were absorbing skills, attitudes, and problem-solving techniques.

Somewhere along the way, we stopped playing. We got serious. But what if we never needed to?

I’ve been experimenting with bringing that playful learning back into my life.?Instead of just reading about success or resilience, I step into the mindset of someone who embodies it.?I study their habits, their choices, and how they handle setbacks, then I practice those behaviours myself.

And you know what? It works.

Modelling: Learning From Those Who Get It Right

Modelling is simple:

?? Find someone who excels at what you want to improve.?Whether it’s emotional resilience, leadership, or handling stress—observe them closely.

?? Break down their process.?What do they say? How do they move? What’s their mindset?

?? Try it yourself.?This part is key. Don’t just admire—experiment.?Act as if you already have the skill, and see how it feels.

Example: Handling Stress Like a Stoic

Lately, I’ve been focusing on resilience.?Stress is inevitable, but I’ve noticed that some people handle it better than others. So, I started modelling Stoic thinkers—people who embrace challenges without getting emotionally hijacked.

Here’s what I’m doing:

? Pause before reacting.?Instead of instantly responding, I take a breath. Marcus Aurelius once said, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.”?I remind myself of this when something frustrates me.

? Reframe challenges as training.?Instead of thinking Why is this happening to me?, I shift to This is my chance to get better at handling discomfort.?It’s like levelling up in a game.

? Detach from the outcome.?I can control my actions, not the results. If I do my best, the rest isn’t up to me. This takes so much pressure off.

The World is Your Classroom

Every day, I look for opportunities to model. Watching a skilled communicator? I note their tone and body language. Seeing someone handle criticism well? I dissect how they stay composed. Life is full of teachers if you pay attention.

And the best part? It makes growth feel fun again.

Instead of struggling to “fix” myself, I play, observe, experiment, and refine.?No pressure—just curiosity.

Final Thought: Who Are You Modelling?

Take a moment and ask yourself:

?? Who in your life has a quality you admire? ?? How do they think, speak, and act? ?? What’s one small behaviour of theirs you can try today?

When we approach life as a giant learning playground, change becomes effortless.

Now, over to you—what’s something you’ve learned by watching someone else??

Let’s swap insights in the comments!

Gary

More from me here.

#MindsetShift #LifelongLearning #PlayIsLearning #ModelSuccess #PersonalGrowth #StoicMindset #LearnByDoing