Life Lesson: Are you An Asset or a Liability?
Today I talked with a friend about what it takes to find a mentor. The more we spoke, the more I realized how much confusion there was around this topic. It was clear to me that many people need clarification on what a mentor is and how to find one. We can begin by identifying what a mentor is; A Mentor is a person who is successful and experienced in their field of work or practice. They can be anyone from a co-worker you respect to a high-ranking executive or entrepreneur. So now that we know what a mentor is, how do we go about finding one? Firstly, you must identify yourself as either an asset or a liability.
An asset is worth investing in and holding onto for the long term. Mentors highly regard these people because they are driven, curious, motivated, willing to learn, and, most importantly, self-sufficient. A mentor is looking for people who can continue the work they are currently doing or revolutionize it. So we can see why they want people who can take the information given, ask questions, learn, and continue improving without constant spoon-feeding.
A liability puts someone at a disadvantage or is likely to cause more trouble than good. These people are more likely to expect a Mentor to hold their hand through their entire journey. A Mentor is unlikely to associate with these people because they are not worth the time investment or potential embarrassment. If you find yourself in this category, know it is not all doom and gloom. However, you will have to work and change your habits and actions. First, ask yourself, am I putting myself in the necessary position to find the information to learn more about my work or practice? Before a Mentor can help you on your journey, you must have already informed yourself as much as possible and be willing to learn even more.
Once you identify yourself as either category, you can begin your journey to finding a mentor. As mentioned previously, Mentors are people who have already achieved some level of success, so why would they want to help you? Mentors want to help people who will continue their legacy or improve their current work. That’s why it is crucial to be an asset rather than a liability.
Now how do you find a mentor? It may seem hard, but it can be quite the opposite. Firstly, you must make it apparent that you are searching for a mentor. Begin by reaching out to people who you admire. It may seem like a waste of time, but you never know. The fact that you are willing to make the first move will make it all the more admirable in the eyes of a mentor. Use your resources: a text message, phone call, elevator pitch, social media message, email, or even a written letter. Please keep it simple; keep it polite. Make sure you state who you are, where you are in your journey, what you know, and what you would like to know, and lastly, thank them for their time.
Congratulations, you’ve made the first step in your journey to success.