Conventional wisdom says you need a mentor to help you get to where you desire to be. This conclusion, however, is based on a faulty assumption. The sources of this wisdom confused coincidence with a cause. No doubt many successful people have had mentors, but, knowing that doesn’t prove the person succeeded because of their mentors. For all we know, they might have succeeded in spite of them.
The reason that many successful people had mentors is that people destined to succeed ATTRACT all kings of people, including mentors. They attract mentors, fans, followers, and even HATERS. So the way to attract a mentor is to display those traits that will lead you to success anyway. Like begets like. Birds of a feather flock together. Will a mentor lead you there? Perhaps. Will one help you in some smaller way? No Doubt.
Here’s my advice: Don’t seek just ONE mentor. Instead, focus on doing the things that might attract people, including mentors. If you do find a mentor, make sure you include others. Remember, mentors are people, people are fallible, and even gifted doctors misdiagnose. Fortunately in many of those cases, the patient sought second and third opinions. YOU SHOULD TOO!
Having just one mentor is overrated;
having several is not.
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree?
FYI: I thinking about starting a mentoring group this Spring. If you are interested and live in the greater Chicago area—please email me (urban.pastor@gmail.com) and I will outline the details for you.
Very enjoyed this! Well done!
Glad you stopped by & glad you saw value in the post! Thanks!
I love this too. I don’t even have a mentor. I have people that I bounce ideas off of – but finding a mentor is something that I’ve said I’d just do in passing. If one comes along from the things I’m doing, then great – if not, that’s cool too. I think you need some accountability which is why I have people in my life that will tell me like it is (and sometimes I listen – lol). About this mentoring group – sounds good to me! Count me in.
Hey Darius,
Once again, thanks for sharing & I’ve discovered that’s exactly how my experience played out. So far it’s worked great for me. The best thing about mentors is they have the ability to see what you see (your vision) while pointing out the small things you can’t see (flaws, obstacles) & make slight necessary adjustments! I will email you the details regarding the mentoring group. Also, look for a post next week regarding the subject.
Pastor,
Mentorship has given me access to people and places that I would probably not been granted the opportunity. Nevertheless, I demonstrated strong character, creditability, and definitely worked hard to learn new skills. On a personal note, my mentors have helped groomed me to the professional that I am today — of course, my education, work and community experience has played an important role as well. After having informational meetings/interviews with power players, many of them give credit to mentors for their success in their professional and personal lives. No matter, what we do in our lives somebody has helped us – they took a risk on us, believed in us, etc. I believe in the power of mentorship.
Chakita,
Thanks for stopping by & posting your comments! I know 1st hand how mentoring played a key role in shaping you into the woman you are today! God has great things in store for you as long as you stay humble & teachable!