How to Imitate a Person You Admire

Co-authored by Jennifer Guttman, PsyD

Last Updated: April 18, 2024 Fact Checked

Imitation can be a great way to grow as a person. If you have a mentor, whether a famous person or someone you know, imitating them can actually be helpful. You may feel more confident when emulating the style of an admirable person. However, remember to eventually make their style your own. Imitation is a great jumping off point, but you can eventually incorporate your own unique personality into an imitation.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Observing the Person

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If this person is someone well known, read biographies about them, as well as articles. Watch interviews with them online and observe their mannerisms and personality. If you know the person, observe or listen to them regularly. Ask them questions about themselves to learn more about them. For example, if you admire a teacher, observe them in class and stop by office hours to talk to them. ^{[1]
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Pinpoint what qualities you admire about them. It's important to understand why you admire someone so you imitate their best qualities. Think about how the person dresses, acts, and otherwise carries themselves.^{[2]
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Jennifer Guttman, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Expert Interview. 26 July 2021.} Ask yourself which traits you admire.^{[3]
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- Is it their personal style you admire most? What about the way they carry themselves? Do you particularly like the way they speak or their great sense of humor?
- Once you figure out what you like about the person, try imitating that. For example, try making the types of jokes the person would make if you like their sense of humor.^{[4]
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  Jennifer Guttman, PsyD
  Licensed Clinical Psychologist
  
  Expert Interview. 26 July 2021.}
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Spend time with the person, if possible. When you spend a lot of time with someone, you begin unconsciously imitating things like their voice.^{[5]
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Research source} Making an effort to be around the person you're imitating will naturally make you speak and act more like them.
- If you admire a friend or classmates, try to make plans with that person regularly. Meet for coffee every Tuesday, for example.
- If you don't have a personal relationship with this person, you can do things like watch interviews with them online. While it is likely not as effective as spending one-on-one time with someone, you may take on some of their behavior if you watch videos of the person.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Emulating the Behavior

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Do not be shy about the fact you're imitating someone. Many people feel they have to mask their imitations to appear original, but most people with a unique sense of style modeled themselves after others at one point or another. Do not be embarrassed that you're trying to imitate someone and own your decision.^{[6]
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Dress like the person. Dressing like someone you admire can help you feel more like them. Take a shopping trip and purchase the type of clothes and accessories the person would normally wear. A change in your wardrobe can result in a change in your attitude.
- However, don't copy their look exactly, especially if it's someone you know. If you wear the exact same clothes as a classmate, for example, they may take offense.^{[7]
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- Instead, strive to pick clothes that resemble the general sense of the person's style. For example, say the person wears a lot of bright colors. Pick brightly colored clothing instead of seeking out the exact same striped sweater a person wore to class one day.
This should come naturally, to a degree, if you observe the person frequently. However, try to make a conscious effort as well. If the person you admire tends to tap their pencil, try to do that on occasion. While mannerisms are sometimes only surface-level gestures, imitating mannerisms may help you feel more like the person. This can encourage you to act like the person as well.
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Put yourself in the mindset of the person you admire. In any situation, pause and think about how the person you admire would act. Try to act in a similar fashion.^{[8]
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- For example, you end up spilling a drink on yourself during lunch. While your first instinct is to get upset, the person you admire enjoys self-depreciating humor. Instead of getting angry, make a joke about yourself.
Meryl Streep, Actor

There is a little part of you in every character you play. "Acting is not about being someone different. It's finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there."
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Imitate the person to overcome difficult situations. Imitation can help you get through difficult situations. If you encounter something stressful or scary, imagine you're the other person instead of yourself. This way, you can ignore your natural tendencies and weaknesses and come out strong.^{[9]
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Greater Good Magazine
Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living

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- For example, say you're shy by nature and need to give a presentation. Pretend you're the person you admire presenting, who's generally outspoken. This will help you go into the presentation with confidence.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Keeping the Imitation in Check

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1
Add your personal eccentricities to your imitation. As you get more adept at imitating your role model, you can start adding some of your own unique charm to your imitation. Make the imitation your own.^{[10]
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- For example, you admire that the person uses a lot of references when talking. Branch away from using their specific references. Make references to shows, books, and movies that you enjoy instead of simply leaning on their tastes.
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Adjust their behavior so it feels natural to you. You want to add your own natural tendencies to the imitation. If you find yourself uncomfortable imitating some of their behavior, tweak your performance as needed to feel comfortable.^{[11]
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- For example, the person has a tendency to make big, loud jokes. While you enjoy making jokes, you don't love being the center of attention. Make jokes, but do so more quietly and with a smaller audience.
- Look for the ways that you already are modeling some of your role model's behaviors so you can.^{[12]
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  Expert Source
  
  Jennifer Guttman, PsyD
  Licensed Clinical Psychologist
  
  Expert Interview. 26 July 2021.}
If you're imitating someone you know, pay attention to their body language and overall attitude around you. If the person seems to be avoiding you, or seems impatient when talking to you, they may feel annoyed by your imitation. Not everyone likes being imitated, and it's important to respect people's boundaries.^{[13]
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No one is perfect. Even someone you admire may have negative qualities. Do not imitate qualities like a bad temper, a tendency to be rude to others, or anything else unsavory about the person. Stick to imitating their most admirable qualities.

Expert Q&A

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Is it OK to imitate someone that you admire?

Jennifer Guttman, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Jennifer Guttman, is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Clinical Psychologist, and the Founder of the Sustainable Life Satisfaction®, a motivational and lifestyle platform. With over 30 years of experience and practice in New York City and Westport, Dr. Guttman specializes in treating people struggling with acute behavioral disorders stemming from anxiety, depression, stress, attention deficit, and phobias. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Drew University and a Doctor of Psychology from Long Island University. Dr. Guttman is the author of "A Path To Life Satisfaction Workbook (2018),” a monthly blog contributor to Psychology Today and Thrive Global, and a contributor to articles in major publications, media sites, and podcasts including The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Redbook, Teen Vogue, Health, mindbodygreen.com, Harvesting Happiness, and Unshakable Self-Confidence.

Jennifer Guttman, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Expert Answer

Definitely, as long as you have the write attitude. Focus on the specific traits that you admire in your role model and try to imitate those. Then, look for other ways that you can model their behavior, whether it's at home, at work, or during your free time.

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Question

What if the person is fictional?

Community Answer

You can look at the same traits of the fictional character and then follow the same steps.

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Question

What if my idol has been dead for 30 years?

Community Answer

A person doesn't need to be alive for you to imitate the positive qualities they had that you admire. You might need to update a few things for modern sensibilities, but other than that, just research the person and find out more about them, then follow the steps in the article as best you can.

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