Over the years, I have learned the importance of having mentors. I try to encourage everyone, no matter what stage of their life or career to Find a mentor.
A mentor can be someone who is successful in your line of work or in an area in which you want to improve. A mentor can act as a sounding board and provide counsel for your ideas. We all need someone in our life who will challenge us, keep us accountable and speak the truth. A good mentor will do that.
Many times, we feel like we have to ‘reinvent the wheel’, but a good mentor can show you their model for success and help you avoid possible pitfalls. Personal experience is not always the best teacher, but someone else’s experience can save you time, money and heartache. A good mentor can provide that.
I have many mentors for different areas of my life. My main musical mentor is drumming legend Billy Hart. I used to drive Billy all over the place and carry his drums for him, buy him lunch, have him over for dinner and anything else I could do to spend time with him and learn. Every minute was a lesson with him, and there were so many times I wished I had been recording our conversations in the car or during dinner. I consider him to be one of my best friends now and call him for advice often. I always try to honor him and let him know how much he has impacted my life. I honestly do not know where I would be without his guidance and inspiration.
A mentor can be an extremely valuable asset in your life… so, I am challenging you to find one person in your life who has done or is doing what you want to do. Take them to lunch or coffee and ask them to mentor you. Meet with them on a regular basis and be open to their feedback, allowing them to challenge you and speak truth to you. Accountability is a powerful thing and a good mentor can see your blind spots and help keep you on track. Always show appreciation for your mentors and value their time and wisdom. Say ‘Thank you” often.
I guarantee, finding a good mentor can produce an exchange that will be a blessing to both of you!
So, go ahead, make that call!
