Mentors Help Mold You

Their impact is more than you realize

This past fall I took a day to go and visit two mentors in my life. It had been a long time since I had seen them. To sit and just talk about anything and everything felt so fulfilling. We shared stories and laughs. It’s was like rekindling old times. Who said you can’t go back?

Time passes and everyone ages. We forget how many years pass since we’ve seen certain people. They’re busy, you’re busy. Who isn’t busy?

That evening as I sat down to read, I reflected on the day and smiled. It took a long time to force myself to just set the time aside and make a point to go visit them. I put it on my to do list and got it done. Gratification at its peak.

What I never understood until years later is how much you reflect and use all those words of wisdom from your mentors. The outlook on life both personally and professionally. What they said all those years ago, now comes into focus. It’s taken over 15 years but now it makes sense. At the time, a lot didn’t resonate.

We forget that when mentors tell you things it’s coming from their years of experience. Some things they’ve probably already dealt with. They’ve traveled the road that you’re trying to go down. Words of wisdom from the wise.

As I think back, I wish I would have thought more about what they said. They’ve experienced life where you are, where you’ve been, where you’re going or where you want to get to. What’s worth the time and what isn’t. Just flat out telling me the way it is. The outlook on business life and how that blends and reflects into your personal life. They steer and point you in the right direction. Don’t forget those directions.

When we’re young we think we’re invincible and that we always know best. You hear that often but I know it’s true because that’s what I thought. In one ear and out the other. It could have come from mentors or your parents. But damn I really wish I would have listened or remembered more of what was said to me. Invaluable life lessons.

Spend time with your mentors. Maybe it’s even your past teachers. Say thank you and how much you appreciate them. Tell them how much they’ve helped you. Go see them in person or handwrite a letter to them. Don’t wait. I waited too long. I wish I would have done it sooner.

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If you have the ability or chance to be a mentor, do it. My mentors made such an impact on me that I hope someday I can have a similar impact on someone. Their impact will last far beyond me. My children will feel their impact. Their children will feel their impact.

Embrace the chance. You’re giving life changing advice and wisdom whether you realize it or not. Many years from now, they’ll still remember and use a lot of what you tell them. I do everyday of my life.

We should all strive to mentor others and make that same impact.

Ask yourself, are you making an impact on someone else’s life?

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