by Lynesha McElveen
Have you ever felt like you are right on the brink of something big, something great, but you just can’t put your finger on it? I have, and like many of you, I have felt confused, overwhelmed, and maybe even stuck. I didn’t know what to do next, where to turn, or who to get advice from. It is during these periods that the benefits of a good mentor are imperative.
Why use a mentor? Because learning from someone who has already been down the road you are trying to go down may be just that added “push” you need. Mentors can provide you with invaluable advice, based on both experience and observation, and can sometimes prevent you from experiencing some of the pitfalls they have.
Again, you may ask, why use a mentor? The question is, why not? Who wouldn’t want to hear from someone who can give open, honest dialogue, and tell you what you need to hear verses what you want to hear? Who wouldn’t want to have someone in their life to help hold them accountable, accept for someone who doesn’t really want to achieve success, and I know that’s not you!
You may say, “Well how do I choose a mentor?” I say, it’s important to choose someone who doesn’t have any emotional ties to you. That way, they can be totally unbiased in the information they give, and won’t worry about hurting your feelings. It is also important that they are committed to continuing to grow and improve themselves. How can someone give you advice who thinks they have it all together? Additionally, you can find different people to mentor you in different areas. For example, you may have a different mentor for your career, your spiritual growth, and your relationships. In other words, the person who gives you advice on how to expand your business may not be the same person you talk to about how to have a fulfilling marriage. This is all good! You can benefit from being mentored by different people who have achieved real world success in different areas.
And don’t forget to give back. I am a firm believer in, “Freely you have received, so freely give.” Find someone else with whom you can share your wisdom, thoughts, and experiences. Remember, mentoring should be a full circle, allowing your life to be touched and changed while you touch and change the lives of others!
