A mentor can make your life a lot easier for you. You might think that you have got it all figured out, but you will keep facing new unexpected problems every day. You are prepared for what you have already experienced, but there are many new experiences waiting for you, and not all of them are pleasant.
Even if you are a good problem solver, each problem will give you a tough time. You might succeed most of the time, but it will take only one mistake to cost you a lot of money, time, relation, respect, or business. Having an experienced mentor will protect you from failures and ensure that you are ready for anything that comes your way.
Understand Your Own Goals
You have to first understand your own goals before you head out to finding a mentor. If you don’t know what you want in life, you wouldn’t know whose help you need. If you are an adult and still find yourself looking for answers, you should find a mental health coach.
They are not therapists, but mentors who will help you build a better lifestyle and work on your wellbeing. Such a mentor will clear all your confusion and give you a new perspective of life.
Someone from Your Own Field
You should look for someone who works or has worked in the same field as yours. There are different experiences in every industry and job. You need someone who has already gone down the path you are crossing just now.
Remember, the mentor is not necessarily smarter than you. You should just ensure that he/she knows more than you about the field where you need help. Most successful businessmen hire consultants before starting a new project because they know those consultants are more experienced than them.
Who Doesn’t Mind Sharing
If the person doesn’t like to share his knowledge, you won’t be able to gain any benefit no matter how much the mentor knows. That’s why you should look for someone who has the personality of a teacher. You don’t necessarily need someone who is in the profession of teaching. He could any senior in your field.
Your mentor will ensure you don’t make the same mistakes as him. He will tell you about all possible problems that will come your way and help you prepare for them. This will save you a great deal of time and energy. You might think that you won’t get to experience many things yourself, but, remember, smart people, learn from the experiences of others.
Mentor is Different from Sponsor
You should remember that sponsor and mentor are two different things. You will find people who will sponsor you for business and provide all the help you need. However, they are not doing it because you to improve and succeed in life. Their goal is to ensure that you can get their job done and make them a lot of money.