Mentors

Whether your old or young, student or graduate, married or single, no matter your career, background, skin color, or health, we all are in need of a mentor.

WHAT IS A MENTOR?

According to Webster’s Dictionary a mentor is:

“One who is a loyal advisor, a wise and trusted counselor.”

Such a short definition, yet profound in meaning. Think about it closely. First off, having an individual in your life who is loyal, is one of the greatest gifts life has to offer.

WHAT IS LOYALTY?

According to Webster’s: Loyalty is faithfulness to commitments and/or obligations, it’s a faithful adherence to government, a leader, cause, etc. Loyalty is consistent, it’s a sense of duty, it’s support.

Whether that loyalty comes in the form of a loyal spouse, loyal friend, loyal confident, boss, caregiver, attorney, physician, daycare provider, coach, trainer, etc. Loyalty is royal. This is why so many folks get pets (especially dogs), these animals can become loyal friends, for some, family.

People are always coming and going in our lives, few are what I refer to as ‘keepers’. Generally, the ‘keepers’ are loyal individuals. Loyalty is one element of a ‘keeper’. Think about it, you’ve gone through elementary school, perhaps moved several times, high school, and college. You see first hand how many people have come and gone in your life. Some people are in our lives for a short time, yet in that short time, manage to have a great deal of impact, which can last throughout our entire life. Others remain in our lives for decades, and barely leave a print.

Back to the meaning of Mentor: A loyal advisor. Yes, a loyal person is a gift of itself, add to that the ability to advise wisely, and you have one Golden Nugget in your life. Next in the meaning comes the word, 'trusted counselor'. 

WHAT IS TRUST?

According to Webster’s: Trust is to be able to rely on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person. It’s confident expectation. Hope. One on whom one relies. Generally, where there is trust, therein will confidence be placed.

WHAT IS A COUNSELOR?

According to Webster’s: A counselor is someone who gives counsel, advises.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?

It means to search out mentor(s) in your life. It’s quite obvious Mentors are an asset. Mentors come from all walks of life, and come in all shapes and sizes. Some mentors are highly recognizable, others are quiet gems waiting to be stumbled upon. I believe we are all mentors at one time or another, depending on who comes our way, and what time and season we, and they are in. One must be attuned to recognize the attributes of a mentor. I will not give you these attributes, as this would be too easy. You must seek out this information for yourself, if finding a mentor is a worthwhile endeavor for you, it will not be hard, and well worth your effort.

Now that we know what a mentor is, let’s look at:

THE TOP 10 BENEFITS OF HAVING A MENTOR

1. VALUABLE INSIGHT: Mentors have already trudged the road you’re traveling. They’ve learned many lessons from the school of success and failure. If you keep you mouth closed while they’re speaking, and truly listen, you will discover and learn many techniques and strategies to avoid unnecessary pitfalls.

2. MANNERISMS: You will notice specific mannerisms of your mentor, contemplate on these, and you will learn much about your mentor and surprisingly, about yourself.

3. HABITS: Notice the habits of your mentor. The things, places, and people your mentor refers to over and over again, take note, follow up on these resources and decide for yourself what is to be gained by them.

4. WISDOM: Mentors have a wealth of wisdom. You could be surprised to find what areas of expertise this wisdom falls in. It might not be what you went to visit your mentor about at all, it could be something completely off the topic, listen.

5. ENCOURAGEMENT: We all have our highs and lows, periods of growth, times of disappointment. A mentor can help you see things objectively, giving you a new perspective and help you to learn to do this on your own, as well.

6. MOTIVATION: Mentors have a way of infusing us with their energy, and creativity. Their attitudes are contagious. You will leave your mentor feeling alive, invigorated, and with a new sense of purpose.

7. ADVICE: Your mentor can give you advice you can count on. Since a mentor has your best interest at heart, you can trust what they say is what they mean, and get to it.

8. GUIDANCE: Mentors can help you stay on track with both short-term and long-term goals. This guidance can come in the form of advice, literature, people, places, etc. One must keep an open mind to the guidance given.

9. GOAL-SETTING: Mentors can help you set up your goals, according to your means, available resources, and circumstances, which would allow for the most growth, and education along the way.

10. SOMEONE TO LOOK UP TO / ACCOUNTABILITY

Your mentor is a person whom you respect, and as such can be a strength unsurpassed, at any given time. Simply looking at their picture, reading one of their quotes, or hearing their words in your head, can have a tremendous impact on your choices, attitude, and direction. Some mentors hold their ‘students’ accountable in some way, this may appear as a burden to begin with, yet down the road looked upon as a necessary step in your progression.

WHO’S YOUR MENTOR?

I'd love to hear who your mentor is, and why: A grandpa, uncle, teacher, coach, parent, sibling, associate, neighbor, self-made millionaire?

Mentors come into our lives for a reason. Cease the moment, embrace the opportunity, give thanks.

Health.