When I decided that I was going to be successful in the areas that I was passionate about, I sought out mentors in as many forms as possible. Below are a few of my observations.
Mentors come in many different forms. They can be anyone, anything, in anything that imparts something to you on your path towards success, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to years.
The reason why having a mentor can be so powerful is because:
1. They've done it. They've walked the path you're embarking or are currently on.
2. You are around their way of thinking, how they perceive the world, their mental, emotional, behavioral paradigms.
3. They bring to the table a wealth of experience, expertise both in terms of knowledge as well as "hands-on" experience, that can be extremely beneficial.
4. Can offer support and guidance
5. Can be an excellent resource for future contacts, referrals.
How do I go about selecting mentors?
1. Decide what area you want to be successful in, whether it be in: finance/business, relationships, health, sports, whatever.
2. Ask them - it can be in a letter, an email, a personal request.
3. Take them out to lunch/coffee once a month, & ask them questions, their opinions, viewpoints on whatever is on your mind.
Below are some of the criteria I look for when selecting a mentor:
1. Trust - Most important. Without trust, there is no relationship.
2. Integrity - See #1.
3. Enjoyable - Life is too short. Learning should be fun. If it's not, then it's not worth doing. That's not to say that a mentor shouldn't push you when you're not performing up to your capabilities. They should, but it shouldn't be a relationship that's based on fear or guilt.
4. Should be mutually beneficial. The exchange can be in many different forms such as services, volunteering, etc.
5. Has something to teach that you need to learn - eg public speaking, sales.
6. Has actually achieved success in the particular area - No "talking", but someone who has actually "walked the path" and can produce MASSIVE results on a consistent basis.
6. Other things - make sure that the relationship is not there for approval, or validation of yourself or your ideas, but is providing sound advice that will help you in achieving your purpose. There are people in this world who will try to hold you back for their own personal gain. Avoid these people at all costs.
Here are some other ways of finding a mentor:
1. The internet - Google Video, Youtube, articles, blogs, biographies, autobiographies, interviews, video/audio media. Anything that will help you to gain insight into their world.
2. Books - library, Amazon, Ebay, borrowing/trading with friends, gifts. Audiobooks are great when you're driving in your car, or while your working at home.
3. Groups/clubs - will connect you with like-minded people & plug you into what Napoleon Hill, in Think and Grow Rich calls the "MASTERMIND PRINCIPLE".
4. Seminars - Going to one seminar per year in the area that you want to be successful in. This will help you to get new ideas, new information, and to network with other like-minded people. Doing this while you're on vacation can be an added bonus.
5. Professional coach - various companies offer these services, are usually VERY expensive, but can streamline the process and shave off huge amounts of time in reaching your particular goals.
Well that's it for today. Thanks for reading and stay tuned.
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