When we were born, we weren't given a guidebook on how to be happy. There's no manual that tells you exactly how to get what you want. We're all trying to figure out how to live the best life possible. We are surrounded by a LOT of ideas and mindsets that just don't work and never will.
The norm in society is negativity and emotional stress. While it is a good practice to see the good in all people, the reality is that many people are struggling a lot in life and it's difficult to find people who have the time, energy and capacity to help us with our goals and problems.
Luckily, some rare people have done a lot of work on themselves over the years and have developed their character to the point where they rise above the negativity. They generally have focused, clear minds and a pleasant, warm personality. They have energy and enthusiasm.
They remain positive and calm even when tested with difficult situations. They nurture their relationships and continually hone their communication skills.
They know a few tricks to life and they want you to succeed too. These cultivated people are potential mentors for you. And they are like gold.
It can range from formal to informal mentoring. Formal mentoring is where you've asked someone to help you learn a particular skillset or mindset. You agree to meet at set times and both of you stick to the task at hand. You might not hang out with your mentor outside of your sessions (ie: paid mentoring or a busy entrepreneur who spends 30 minutes on the phone with you each week to help you with your business).
Informal mentoring can be spontaneous and you have more control over when it happens (ie: a friend or family member who has great perspectives on certain areas of life). I personally prefer informal mentoring most of the time because I like the flexibility.
My informal mentors include online teachers, authors (through their books), as well as some of my good friends and some family members. I've also paid for formal mentoring and these were very valuable sessions.
These days, it's easier than ever to have mentors in your life. There are a huge number of mentors online. Between all the written, audio and video content that a potential online mentor offers, you can really get to know them and benefit from their insights and help, even if they're not working with you directly.
We've never had so much easy access to a plethora of positive role models. Simply by consuming their material online, you can have as many mentors as you have free time for. Of course, there are traditional ways of finding mentors as well.
This is crucial. It's not usually about money either. In fact, most mentoring is going to be unpaid and/or informal. Most mentors and positive role-models are great mentors because they tend to be generous and giving, but that doesn't mean they don't appreciate some reciprocity.
You may feel like you have an empty cup. That's the reason why you want a mentor, right? Someone to help you out in an area of your life that you feel you're lacking skills or knowledge in. So how can you possibly give back to your mentors when you feel you don't have much to give them?
The following applies to the formal and informal mentors that you work with directly, not your online mentors who you might not ever talk to.
This is a very diverse group of people and I've benefited from their work over the years. It's worth exploring their material and seeing what resonates for you. You can benefit from all their online teaching content and their books.
For the above two books, it's important that you get the exact copies translated by the people I've listed. I've looked at other translations of those books and they are not nearly as inspiring as the translated versions I recommend.
Everyone should have at least one mentor. Better yet, build your own "team" of mentors. Always remember to give back to your mentor and nurture that relationship, including your informal mentors like friends, family members and other positive role-models you may already have in your life.
A team of mentors will inspire you, motivate you and support you while teaching you a skill or mindset that you want to learn. They lead by example and it shows in their character and actions. If you're eager to learn from them, maybe some of their excellent character and honed skills will rub off on you. Wouldn't that be nice?
Your Mini-Mission:
Within the next seven days, look for a potential mentor. This could be someone who is already in your life.
Look online for mentors. Check out their audio, video and written work.
Which mentors do you recommend? How do you find your mentors? Let me know in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media.
I'm Nigel, accountability coach and creator of Holding Your Feet to the Fire. I offer online accountability coaching to help my clients reach their goals faster and support them every step of the way. Check out the Online Coaching page to find out how this accountability system will help you reach your business, career, financial, health and personal goals.
Thanks for the article. I found the easiest way to find mentors is online through podcasts, YouTube videos, or social media.
Those are definitely great options for finding mentors! : )