Mentoring & Being Mentored, Helping & Being Helped
Some years ago, when I was trying to learn new technology every single week without a clear direction, it often felt like a waste of time. I was eager to learn, but without proper guidance, I found myself struggling to make significant progress.
Now, after being mentored by clever and experienced people, and also having the opportunity to mentor others, I have come to truly appreciate the importance of “Guidance” in life. Having a mentor isn’t just about learning from someone else’s experiences — it’s about having someone to help you navigate the complexities of your journey, to steer you toward the right resources, and to provide clarity when you need it most.
You’ve probably felt it yourself at some stage in your life — a deep need for guidance or help to find a clear path that can be followed. While it’s certainly possible to find the right path on your own, having a guide or mentor beside you makes the journey a lot easier. With a mentor, you can discuss your ideas, receive feedback, and gain insights that might not be obvious to you otherwise. A mentor doesn’t just provide answers; they help you ask better questions and make more informed decisions.
Mentoring, in its essence, is about guiding or helping someone on their path, solving their doubts, and helping them step up in their journey. A mentor is someone who is naturally helpful and kind, someone who willingly shares their hard-earned knowledge and wisdom without seeking anything in return other than the growth and success of their mentee.
But where can you find mentors?
The truth is, they’re everywhere. Mentoring isn’t about finding someone who will randomly help you — it’s about connecting with someone who understands your situation, knows where you are, and can provide the best possible advice and next steps.
Can you be a mentor? Absolutely. Everyone is a mentor in some way, and everyone can be mentored. We all face life’s challenges, and while our specific situations might differ, the underlying issues often have common threads that can be addressed through shared wisdom and guidance.
Where should you start?
Start by simply saying “Hi” or engaging with others in comments or posts. Offer help where you can, and in doing so, you’ll find that others are more willing to help you in return. In today’s world, many people are hungry for a guide — someone who can help them navigate their challenges without expecting anything in return.
But how can you help someone whose help you need in the first place? It depends on how well you understand your mentor’s motivations and the kind of support they might require. Often, it’s about being attentive, offering your perspective, or simply expressing gratitude.
One practical step I suggest is to start journaling daily. By writing down your thoughts, experiences, and the changes you notice in yourself over time, you can gain clarity about your life’s direction, your thinking process, and your progress. Journaling can also help you better understand what you’re looking for in a mentor and how you can be of help to others.
Action Steps:
1. Identify Potential Mentors: Start by identifying individuals in your field or community who have the experience and wisdom you seek. Reach out to them with genuine curiosity and respect.
2. Engage Actively: Begin engaging with others in your community, whether online or offline. Offer help, share knowledge, and be open to learning from others.
3. Start Journaling: Begin a daily or weekly journal to track your thoughts, experiences, and personal growth. This will help you gain clarity and stay focused on your goals.
4. Reflect on Your Journey: Regularly reflect on the guidance you’ve received and how it has impacted your journey. Consider how you can apply this knowledge to help others.
5. Offer Mentorship: Once you feel confident in your own journey, consider offering mentorship to someone who might benefit from your experiences.
Key Takeaways:
- Guidance is invaluable: Having a mentor can significantly ease your journey, providing clarity and direction when you need it most.
- Mentors are everywhere: Potential mentors are all around you — sometimes it’s just a matter of reaching out and starting a conversation.
- Mentorship is reciprocal: While you seek guidance, also be open to offering help to others, creating a cycle of mutual support and growth.
- Personal reflection is key: Journaling and regular self-reflection can help you stay on track and understand the impact of mentorship on your personal and professional development.
- Everyone can be a mentor: As you grow, remember that you too can offer valuable guidance to others, no matter where you are in your journey.
