In our lives we have many roles to fill. Roles are like the hats we put on in different parts of our lives. Each role has attachments to different people. Think of our roles as different hats we put on. These roles come in many forms. Some of our roles we choose. Some of them are chosen for us. How do we decide which roles are important? How do we build relationships which fit with various roles? Why should we care about or roles?
What are Roles
Roles are like hats which you put on at different times and in different places. Some of these roles are enjoyable, and some not so much. Sometimes we pick our roles and sometimes they are picked for us.
Some examples of possible roles are:
| Parent | Child | Employee | Employer | Business Owner |
| Share Holder | Church Member | Cousin | Uncle | Aunt |
| Citizen | Resident | Student | Faculty | Staff |
| Professor | President | Accountant | Bookkeeper | Lawyer |
| Police Officer | Teacher | Spouse |
Deciding Which Roles are Important
Use your mission statement to tell you which roles are important. Sometimes roles are important in one context, but not another. For example your role as an employee may not have value in the context of home, but in the context of work it is the most important role. Use your mission statement to help you decide which roles are important, and when they are important.
Improving Relationships within Our Roles
Using the visualization technique from building a mission statement in your mind go into the future and hear what you want people from all aspects of your life to think of you. Which of these voices are most important? Which of them are least?
Why Care About Your Roles
Your roles help define who you are. They create the feeling of being connected to others. We live in a world of being connected. Connections help us stay grounded. This is why it is important to nourish the relationships which go with our important goals. Find what they are and build those relationships so your life can happy.
Conclusion
Roles are groups of relationships which go together. Your relationships with your children go with your role as a parent. Your relationships with your coworkers go with your role as an employee. Build your important relationships, and strengthen your roles. Remember different roles have different expectations of you. One of the hardest parts of this process is that some roles scream at you out of proportion to their importance. Learn to manage that and you will be on your way to success.