rediscoverywomen

Do you have a dream, a New Year resolution, or set of daily goals that seem daunting? Have no fear. You don’t have to go it alone. Why not find a buddy to share the journey, take a class to expand your knowledge and make some new friends who share your vision, and seek out a mentor to advise and encourage you? I strongly urge you to take all three steps, as they can be wonderful assets. Taking a class and making new friends probably sound ‘easier’ than asking someone to take you under his or her wing. But consider this: That person would probably be flattered and enjoy the rewards from teaching and helping, ‘if’ you are serious about listening, learning and working hard. So be open minded. Give it a try. Find a mentor who can lend inspiration, as you take each small step toward achieving your dreams, resolutions and daily goals. It could be one of the smartest strategic decisions that you make.

Consider this: If we are fortunate, each one of us is given the gift of a teacher who nurtures us while we are young, a college professor who recognizes our talents and prods us to do better, or a boss who is tough, but supportive. If we are lucky we encounter those ‘trusted advisors’ who pay attention, share their knowledge, and convince us to ‘keep going when the going gets tough’. Personally, I have been fortunate in this regard. I have had family members, teachers, college professors, bosses, and colleagues who have offered good advice, cheered me on, and inspired me to do my best throughout my life. They provided friendship, guidance, wisdom, and support. I gladly accepted their generosity and I am a better person thanks their attention and kindness. In return, I ‘thank them’ in my prayers, count my blessings each and every day, and work hard to make them proud.

So ‘how to’ cultivate a mentor? At the outset, it is usually someone you already know and it is not as hard as you think to find that wise and trusted counselor. You do have to do some legwork, however, such as thoughtful brainstorming to identify an appropriate person with whom you can partner. Then you have ask. Whether you are enrolled in college courses, taking a cooking glass at a local community college, learning golf, getting in shape at the gym – whatever your interest, passion, dream, resolution, or goal – there is someone out there with the credentials, skills and knowledge that you seek, who would be happy to offer advice, guidance, and encouragement. But you have to measure up. You have to summon the courage to ask for assistance and the gumption to work hard, show integrity, honesty, and discipline – in other words, proof that you are worthy of your mentor’s time and attention.

Sounds like a pretty ‘high bar to leap over’ doesn’t it? Maybe. Maybe not. Most mentors, like most folks who care about you, want you to be challenged and to challenge yourself. But they also want you to be realistic about the way you pursue your goals – how you handle your plans, timelines, deadlines, expectations, and so on. They have been there before – made mistakes, learned from them, and climbed the ladder toward success - and they have a lot to share if you are willing to listen and learn. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to ‘listen to someone tell you something you don’t necessarily want to hear’, but listening and taking advice to both head and heart is the best course of action. Sometimes you may feel that you ‘know more’ or ‘know better’. Regardless, if you humble yourself, be an apprentice, open your mind, listen and learn – you will profit handsomely with rewarding experiences.

Pursue your dreams with passion, patience and persistence, but don’t try to go it alone. Your journey will be infinitely easier, more rewarding and enjoyable if you do your homework, find like-minded souls who share your passion, and are willing to ask for help when you really need it. Now put on your thinking cap and create a ’short list’ of folks that you trust to ‘lend a hand’ during your daily journey toward fulfilling your dreams. Find a mentor who inspires you to ‘learn, do, create, achieve, and succeed’ each and every day!

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It’s your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that’s with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let’s Go For It!