The Importance Of A Mentor

Catchy title.

As of late I find myself to be in a reflective mood more often than usual.

Specifically, I've been thinking about how important it is to have a mentor. Regardless of whatever stage you are in your life.

Whether it is for your career, or your personal life-- having a guiding role model is crucial to your success.

How do I know that?

Through vivid and unforgettable experiences I have come to believe that if I am my only resource for unchartered terrority, I am likely in danger of making needless and foolish choices. (Yup. Been there. Done that.) Choices that could be avoided with wise counsel from someone who has been in the exact same situation. Someone who has been in the same position and who has also transcended that difficulty.

The best example to clearly illustrate this is the prize fighter.

Ultimately, he (or these days "she" too) has to enter the ring alone.

However, with a wise and experienced trainer (mentor) in the fighter's corner, there is a distinct advantage.

The prize fighter has the power of receiving significant insights, advice, and guidance that is unique AND practical from the trainer.

That is why even those athletes that are within the elite of their particular sport, those atheltes who are earning millions of dollars, utilize a trainer (mentor).

Can you imagine how ridiculous it would be for one of the Klitschko brothers to enter the ring for a heavyweight championship match sans a trainer? They would likely lose.

Here's the really interesting part though. A fighter like one of the Klitschko brothers has the talent, know how, and God given talent to win most bouts. Yet it is unthinkable to enter the arena without their trainer.

It seems to me to be a principle linked to success. Even if your not the heavyweight champ.

The other thing I realize is that your mentor is not going to do the work for you.
The prize fighter does his own pushups. His own road work. His own sparring. Not the trainer.

And, the trainer won't waste one second of his or her time if you are not committed and dedicated.

Simple.

True.