I. Introduction
A Mentor is someone who chooses to help you, even though they have no obligation to do so. I value mentorship as both a Mentor and a Mentee. I believe that it is a learning opportunity for both individuals and that it is essential to surround yourself with others who seek to accompany and guide you in the right direction.
However, a huge part of my self-discovery process was not only choosing to be intentional with who I surround myself with, but also being intentional with who I was becoming myself. Plainly, there is no other person on Earth who has the responsibility of ensuring my health, safety, and success, the way that I do. Therefore, it is up to me to not only seek mentorship when appropriate, but to also apply the wisdom that is shared within these connections in order to better myself.
II. Facing Reality
First, I recognize that a great Mentor is authentic and honest about their journey. Being real with what has worked and what hasn’t worked, in an objective manner, is crucial in order to give appropriate advice to another person. That means a Mentor must have humility as they analyze their past, with the purpose to learn and grow from it.
Yet, although the past does advise our present and future, it is also important to know that not every person or situation is the same or warrants the same advice. You may have heard the expression, "take my advice with a grain of salt" and the reason is because there is not one particular way to approach life!
III. Loving the Lessons
I have also lived long enough to know that life is constantly intertwined with wins and losses. Both are equally important because these experiences inform every additional step that we choose to take along our journey. The key is to identify the takeaways from each circumstance, as there is always some concept that we can apply to our future. I challenge you to look back at the past with gratitude, knowing that everything happens for a reason (yes, there are reasons that we have gone through each particular event in our lives, both good and bad)! Knowing this, I personally choose to see my trials and tribulations as working for me and not against me. What about you?
IV. Living by Example
Finally, I think that one of the most challenging aspects of having learned better, is continuously choosing to do better. Being able to practice what you preach, both in public and in private, attests to your character; a good character is a necessary ingredient for a good mentor. It essentially means that others have witnessed the credibility of your words and actions. You truly walk the walk and talk the talk!
When you therefore choose to live in your truth, having reflected and adapted to the lessons learned, you then attract other individuals who wish to be in the position where you are, even if you are not at your intended destination yet. This can feel flattering and motivating, yet also intimidating as there is a level of responsibility that comes with guiding and directing someone in accordance with their best interests. However, living by example is continuously showing up as your best Self, knowing that particular things have undeniably worked for you, which is why others seek your guidance.
V. Conclusion
Overall, whether you are a Mentor or a Mentee, the goal is for both individuals to grow within the connection. The Mentee gains knowledge and wisdom on how to approach their future endeavors, and the Mentor gains experience guiding another individual onto a successful path. With intentionality, both begin to become more of the person that they are searching for, i.e., a better version of themselves!
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