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A few years ago, Matthew McConaughey delivered a memorable 3.5-minute speech at the 86th Oscars after winning Best Actor. It was more than just a thank-you speech — it gave us a profound insight into his life philosophy, one that I believe holds value for all of us. McConaughey said, “There are three things that I need each day. One, I need something to look up to, another to look forward to, and another is someone to chase.”
This idea of connecting to something greater, to our future, and to a personal pursuit resonates deeply. It mirrors the essence of spirituality: transcending the physical and reaching out for something within, around, and beyond ourselves. Spirituality is not only about religious belief but also about connecting with our purpose, our potential, and the people we surround ourselves with. McConaughey’s framework invites us to reflect on these three areas of life and how they can guide us to be more grounded, focused, and intentional.
Something to Look Up To
In his speech, McConaughey mentions that he looks up to God. He quotes Charlie Laughton, who said, “When you got God, you got a friend, and that friend is you.” McConaughey’s connection to God represents a powerful force in his life, a guiding principle. For many people, looking up to a higher power provides strength and clarity during life’s trials. Whether it’s God, the universe, Buddha, or another guiding force, people find peace in looking to something greater than themselves. The guidance they receive from this higher power is seen as invaluable, helping them navigate challenges and find purpose.
Personally, I look up to Prophet Muhammad (SWT) and find great wisdom in his teachings and hadiths. His words provide more than just guidance on actions — they offer a foundation of values. Prophet Muhammad (SWT) led by example, showing us how to live with integrity, compassion, and strength. His teachings have shaped my worldview, helping me to approach life with humility and purpose. They guide not only my decisions but also how I interpret the world around me. His hadiths offer timeless lessons, reminding us that true success is not about material gain but about living a life of virtue and service to others.
When we look up to something greater than ourselves, we are reminded that life is not just about us as individuals. It helps us stay grounded, provides us with perspective, and keeps us connected to a higher moral or spiritual standard. This sense of higher purpose is what pushes us forward even in the most challenging times.
Something to Look Forward To
McConaughey also shared that he looks forward to his family, and I wholeheartedly agree with him. Family is often our anchor, giving us a reason to push through the tough times and cherish the good ones. In my case, I look forward to seeing where my family is headed, especially my immediate family, which includes my parents, sisters, uncle, and cousin.
Watching family evolve can be both exciting and fulfilling, as each member pursues their aspirations and navigates new stages of life. This growth inspires and unites, with family serving as a source of strength, wisdom, and motivation. Looking ahead to the future together offers hope and grounding, reminding us that life is not only about the present but also about the possibilities that lie ahead. It emphasizes the importance of shared history and the bonds that keep us connected as we grow and change.
Looking forward to something doesn’t always have to involve family. It could be anything that excites or motivates you — a personal goal, a new opportunity, or even a small moment of joy. Whether it’s the pursuit of a career milestone, an upcoming adventure, or simply a peaceful weekend, having something to anticipate brings a sense of hope and direction. It serves as a reminder that the future holds possibilities, fueling us with motivation and optimism as we work toward the things that bring meaning and fulfillment to our lives. Looking forward to something, no matter how big or small, can provide a much-needed sense of purpose and excitement for what’s to come.
Someone to Chase
This part of McConaughey’s speech resonated with me the most and has stayed with me for years. But it’s in this section that I think we need to be cautious. He shares a personal anecdote:
“And to my hero. That’s who I chase. When I was 15 years old, I had a very important person in my life come to me and ask, ‘Who’s your hero?’ I said, ‘I thought about it, and it’s me in ten years.’ So I turned 25 ten years later, and that same person came to me and asked, ‘Are you a hero?’ I said, ‘Not even close!’ She asked, ‘Why?’ and I said, ‘My hero is me at 35.’ You see, every day, and every week, and every month, and every year of my life, my hero is always ten years away. I’m never going to be my hero, and that’s fine with me because it keeps me with somebody to keep on chasing.”
Matthew McConaughey – Acceptance speech for Best Actor Award at the 86th Annual Oscars
The idea of constantly chasing the best version of ourselves is powerful — it keeps us motivated and growing. It’s natural to sometimes look outward for someone to chase, as we are often asked, “Who is your role model?” However, I think the more important question should be, “Who is your mentor?” This distinction is crucial for striking the delicate balance between idolizing someone and seeking guidance and support.
Role Models vs Mentors
A mentor is someone who helps guide you through life, both personally and professionally. They offer support, provide advice, and help you navigate your unique path. A role model, on the other hand, is someone you look up to — someone whose achievements, values, or character you admire and aspire to emulate. While both are valuable, they serve different purposes, and it’s important to understand the distinction.
Role models offer a source of inspiration. They can motivate us to aim higher, achieve more, and strive for excellence. However, we need to be careful not to idolize them to the point where we lose sight of our own identity. When we place role models on pedestals, we risk developing unrealistic expectations for ourselves, leading to self-doubt, burnout, or the feeling that we’re never good enough. The danger is that in trying too hard to follow someone else’s path, we may sacrifice parts of ourselves in the process.
That’s why I believe it’s even more important to seek out mentors. A mentor does more than inspire — they guide. They help us identify and nurture our own strengths, while recognizing the individuality of our journey. A mentor provides tailored advice and wisdom based on their experience, helping us avoid pitfalls and navigate challenges. Crucially, a mentor doesn’t ask us to become a replica of them but instead encourages us to become the best version of ourselves.
Where a role model may set a lofty standard to aspire to, a mentor helps us map out the steps to get there, always with an eye on our personal growth and potential. Mentors walk alongside us, offering guidance as we carve out our own path, and they provide a perspective that grounds us in reality, preventing us from chasing an unattainable image of success that doesn’t fully align with who we are.
That said, both role models and mentors play important roles in our development. Role models can ignite the spark of ambition, showing us what’s possible, while mentors offer the tools and support to help us reach our goals in a way that’s authentic to us. The key is to be intentional about who we choose to look up to and who we allow to guide us. We need to maintain a healthy balance between being inspired by others and staying true to our own voice, ensuring that our pursuit of self-improvement is rooted in personal growth, not in becoming someone else.
Ultimately, the goal isn’t to become our role models but to let their example push us to become better versions of ourselves.
Conclusion
The people we look up to, look forward to, and chase shape the way we view ourselves and the world. It’s essential to be intentional about these choices because they influence the development of our inner voice, our values, and our direction in life.
As I reflect on McConaughey’s speech, I want to emphasize that the journey of self-improvement is ongoing. The guidance we receive from something we look up to, the hope we find in what we look forward to, and the drive we gain from those we chase are all integral to strengthening our inner voice. This process of growth and connection is what makes us who we are, helping us move through life with purpose, clarity, and self-awareness.
In the same way, our connection with others shapes the foundation of how we see ourselves and what we aspire to be. It’s important to understand ourselves in relation to others — both as a reflection and as a contrast. The voices we choose to listen to, whether they are those of role models, mentors, or even spiritual guides, have the power to amplify our inner voice, helping us navigate the complexities of life. Being intentional about these influences allows us to remain true to ourselves while growing into the people we want to become.
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