The Value of a Mentor

Imagine this scenario: you have the talent, the drive, and the passion; yet you are still stuck with no where to go.  How can you advance to the next level? You can’t do it all by yourself; you need the help of a coach, a teacher, or a mentor to help you get there.

I was watching the television show, “The Voice,” last night; it has coaches who help beginner singers turn from good to great.  I love how the coaches – all outstanding singing performers in their own right - (Blake, Adam, Christina, and Cee Lo) hear promising talent and give them a chance to develop into greatness.

Mentorship is tremendously important in all areas of life.  We all need mentors, those who are more experienced than us who can advise us on paths that are more direct towards the destination we seek. Experienced does not always mean someone who are older than us; I have mentors in my life who are younger than me.  A mentor, in my books, is someone who has gone through life’s trials before you and will counsel/support you without asking anything in return.

The past year for me has been kind of intense, with the process of going from “recent graduate” to “young professional.”  I have learned a lot along the way.  One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been the people I have met and the relationships I am building. 

I have learned valuable life lessons in my transition from academic studies into the professional world; for example, the importance of mentorship. I have been so lucky to have positive mentors in my life, people who are ahead of me on the path of life who encourage, teach, and offer direction.  Their mentorship has been life-changing.  I have learned so much through conversations with them, so much more than I would from a book or written source.

The process of finding a mentor can be a daunting task, and there are obstacles to overcome.  Individuals can connect with people they respect through social media or email; but once you have contact, you have to work on building a relationship that both can benefit from.

I am seeking to build a network of like-minded people, where others can come for inspiration, commiseration, advice, and encouragement.  I want to empower others to live a life they have imagined; I believe they need mentors and relationships to do so.

Five Reasons Why Mentors are Important in Your Life:

1. They have been in your shoes.  They can relate to what you are going through. They have struggled and persevered and will encourage you to do so as well.
2. They want you to succeed; they will encourage you.
3. They listen to you.
4. They offer support and advice.  They will be honest and tell you about obstacles they have encountered along the way. They will share tips and suggestions of what you should do.
5. They build a mutual relationship with you.  You both benefit from it.

You see, mentorship is valuable to success in life.  It’s a win-win situation.  One of the reasons I made the "Profiles of Perseverance" series is to provide you with mentorship on your journey! So, go out and meet new people!

Do you have any advice for recent grads who are starting out in their careers? Would love to hear it.

Thank you for reading and your presence at this beach retreat. You Rock! I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comment section below.

See you at the beach!