I have heard many times of people expressing their desire to do something radical to inspire others, to become a role model to follow.  Usually those people try to follow a life that does not correspond to our modern life style anymore.

You don’t need to go and live in a cave in a remote mountain in order to reach enlightenment. You don’t need to deprive yourself of all earthly possessions and become a saint to be a living example to others. (Unless that kind of life is your calling in life and fills your soul with joy of course, but as usual it is a personal decision.)