The right mentor can change your life. Here’s how you find them.
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I am unhappy.
I am not “woe is me” unhappy but more like fed up with continually being lost… unhappy. How could I possibly be lost, again? How did I so epically lose my way… again?
And everywhere you look there is a helping hand.
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I have been on this expedition for what feels like an eternity, and I am tired. I am weary of searching for a prehistoric route that I may never find but told to keep looking.
Regrettably, my journey has taught me two painful lessons: Finding your purpose is shrouded in chaotic experiences.
- Finding your purpose is shrouded in chaotic experiences.
- Finding your purpose is concealed in failure.
Tragic? Indeed. But, for this reason, the journey is not meant to be taken on alone. And everywhere you look there is a helping hand.
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When You Pursue Your Calling The Mentor Appears
Our lives seem to be nothing more than a series of random events, that happen to us. But the truth is that you have more influence over your life than you give yourself credit for. You could live a remarkable life if you want it bad enough.
But you will need help on your long journey. The help will come to you wearing many disguises–a teacher, a parent or a random act of kindness from a stranger.
But let’s call this team of travelers by their proper name–mentors. And how do you find a mentor? Well, that is not the right question.
I have come to understand that once you have decided to pursue your calling, you will find a mentor. They will sometimes appear when you need a good kick in the ass. Other times the mentor appears when you need an encouraging word.
So the right question to ask is, “What can I learn from this mentor?”
The Mentor Is Not Your Vocal Supporter
Mentors are markers to be trusted on your journey. Without these guides, you will not complete your journey because they contribute to your journey.
Some mentors will help you willingly while others will educate you by accident. The manner of learning is irrelevant. What’s closely connected is that you be wise to use it all.
Your calling is an epic journey that is seasoned with chaotic experiences and failure. And each person that we meet will serve a purpose.
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Some mentors will be there for a short time–perhaps to do nothing more than to cheer you on. Others will arrive and be with you for a longer stretch of the journey–investing in you.
There is an almost immediate kinship.
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And by committing yourself to the journey, you will find these supporters. It’s not up to you to find these people. You just need to recognize them when they do enter your life.
They will not be your enthusiastic and vocal supporters. Mentors are there to support you by: Challenging you, forcing you to think differently, holding you accountable, and helping you make connections with other mentors
You will know it when it happens. There is an almost immediate kinship. An undeniable focus on helping you to the next stage of your journey and the mentor asks for nothing in return. But continued success on your journey.
Have you found a mentor? What has been your experience?
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Photo: Flickr/ Chandra Marsono