How to Get What You Need to Get Out of Your Box

There are a number of things you can do to support the unfoldment of your goals and desires, even those aspirations you’re not sure you can really pull off. One of the things you can do is find someone who has successfully walked the path ahead of you. Mentors can be invaluable in shining a light on your path, supporting you in navigating obstacles and talking through with you, issues encountered.

If the word “MENTOR” were an acronym, here’s what I say it would mean.

Magnanimous: Mentors are giving and kind. They have walked their talk and generously share the wealth of their wisdom & experience.

Expansive thinkers. Great mentors think outside the box & constantly challenge you to expand your vision. I attended a National Speakers Association meeting last week and heard a wonderful concept. That is, as leader, I can only take you as far as I’m willing to go myself. Great mentors continually step outside their own comfort zones.

Networked. Effective mentors have connections in the right places that can help you advance your career of business. They make introductions that lead to needed resources and ideally, new revenue sources.

Truth-teller. While it’s always nice to work with people we like, the last thing you need is a mentor who is only conce
ed about making you feel good. Mentors talk straight. They get to heart of the matter on issues of importance. They are more committed to your long term effectiveness than to your short term peacefulness.

Optimistic. Mentors are able to see your bright future and reflect it back to you on those days when you you’ve forgotten what that future looks like or why you cared about it in the first place.

Respectful They mentor you as a full partner, capable of gutsy, courageous acts of faith, not someone who is ‘less-than’ or somehow diminished.

I will leave you with final quote from Neale Donald Walsch, author of the Conversations with God series, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

Great mentors live at the edge of theirs and keep you at the edge of yours.