Mentoring: 10 Ways To Make A Difference
“Every kid needs a mentor. Everybody needs a mentor.” Donovan Bailey
Mentoring: 10 Ways To Make A Difference
I believe our legacy will be defined by the accomplishments and fearless nature by which our daughters and sons take on the global challenges we face. I also wonder if perhaps the most lasting expression of one’s humility lies in our ability to foster and mentor our children. Naveen Jain
Who was your first mentor? Your fondest memory of a mentor? Our parents are typically our first mentors but, throughout our lives, we do connect with other people who guide us and help us grow. Growing up in a large family, I had several early mentors in the form of my parents, siblings, uncles, aunts and a few favorite teachers. I remember a dear teacher who not only encouraged me to write, but she also read my poetry to the class and it gave me the desire to do more. When I moved to the USA, a shift occurred and not only was I alone, I felt down because I believed that I didn’t have enough mentors. In retrospect, it wasn’t an entirely accurate perspective because mentors come in different forms and we have to be open to receive the grace and guidance they offer. So here are some ways to mentor others:
1. Volunteer at community centers
2. Encourage others in your place of work/field of study
3. Join a Mentoring Group and work with assigned mentees
4. Use your blog/writing/creative work to connect with those in need of help
5. Connect with your school district and offer opportunities for all kids especially graduating HS/College students.
What is the greatest lesson learned from mentoring? Extend a hand to others and keep the chain growing. Keep in mind that it requires sincere not forced reciprocity. If others are not sincerely open to the idea, move forward. Aside from my extended family, I had other mentors. The yoga and spiritual communities I got involved with in the USA served as another mentoring group that helped me to create a sense of family in a new country. There were also dance instructors and a few professors who championed me in college and graduate school; their gentle nudging and support helped me through some rough patches. We can have short term and long-term mentors. What distinguishes them from others is that they show sincere, consistent, and nonjudgmental support. They want us to succeed. We can be the change in the world for others too by our random acts of kindness and our commitment to do work that uplifts others. Who have you mentored?
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The best way a mentor can prepare another leader is to expose him or her to other great people. John C. Maxwell
Mentoring: 10 Ways To Make A Difference
What you want in a mentor is someone who truly cares for you and who will look after your interests and not just their own. When you do come across the right person to mentor you, start by showing them that the time they spend with you is worthwhile. Vivek Wadhwa
Have you had a mentor that disappointed you? How can you move forward? It’s very easy to remember the hurts and slights from people who were not true mentors to us but, we don’t have to become bitter because of the actions of a few. The best way to overcome such acts of inconsideration is to be a mentor/helping hand to others. When we think of mentoring, it’s easy to only think of those outside of our immediate surroundings. Don’t forget to lend an ear or encourage those around you to be a mentor to others as well. We can train our kids to develop additional skills by encouraging them at what they do best and helping them find others who might benefit from their knowledge. The same can be said for helping our friends and family find such resources.
1. Volunteer at need centers and offer your skills
2. Participate in events that bring in people searching for new experiences
3. Join a martial arts, exercise, cooking, running or any interest building club and create a Mentoring Group
4. Give time to hospitals, religious/spiritual/tutoring centers that need extra hands for their clients.
5. Mentor your kids and also Connect with others who can mentor you and guide you to people who would benefit from your help
One thing I know for sure is that time spent with people who wish us well and support our struggles and our successes is like a shot of healthy energy and life affirming goodness. Don’t waste your time in the company of negative energy and people who don’t care; they will just suck all your energy, create stories and drama to drag you down. Such company is like feeding pearls to swine. Keep the company of those who can guide you and remind you to give back to the world you wish to change. Go do it!
What are your thoughts? What do you do to mentor others? How about your fellow bloggers not just your buddies? Do you struggle with it? Do share!
This post was inspired by a prompt from WP Daily Post: Mentor Me. Have you ever had a mentor? What was the greatest lesson you learned from him or her?
Positive Motivation Tip: Mentor others freely and joyfully and see the magic spread around you.
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos Mentoring, via Wikipedia
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
I feel like I have mentored many, many people but rarely been mentored myself.
But that is okay too!
Sure is… but I suspect there were a few outside of your parents. 😉
I used to feel that way when I moved to NY but when I think back to the time spent here, I see that I did have a few along the way. We all need guides.
Great advice. Mentoring is very powerful done on an informal basis.
It is always desirable to see mentor relationship with the right person –
(sorry, it came to me and I couldn’t resist recording it!).
It’s all good. Thank you for adding your voice.
I have seen mentors make a big difference in a kids life many times! I am blessed now to have been helped by some more experienced bloggers!
Having a mentor is so important because it helps you to grow as a person. Mentoring is also very crucial.
Being a mentor is so important to helping others. Being mentored helps you to grow as a person.
I hope that I have made a difference in many young people’s lives.
I have had many mentors but my third grade teacher was the most influential in my life. Even at a young age, I knew she was such a good person and knew I wanted to be like that. I hope I am a good mentor to those that look up to me.
I had a mentor growing up and it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I hope to be one for someone else someday.
I had a mentor growing up and it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I hope to be a mentor to someone else at some point.
I’ve participated in several volunteer programs where mentoring was involved. One of my most rewarding experiences.
I had a teacher in high school that really believed in me and encouraged me. Also, my dad has always been the number one positive influence in my life. I totally agree with surrounding yourself with positive people.
I really like the idea of giving back this way. Mentoring our youth is a gift for the kids and the adult mentor.
My first mentor was my 3rd grade teacher. I’m not sure what she saw me, but she really pushed me and motivated me to strive for excellence.
I have never mentored, but as a blogger I have helped a few people get started. I am not sure if that is mentoring or not, but at least I helped a little.
It is a form of mentoring short term… and don’t forget you have mentored your children Robin!
I’ve had so many wonderful mentors over the years. For the most part, it was very informal — I don’t know if they even knew how much they were teaching me! I’ve tried to do the same for others, in just being part of people’s lives, living life with them, and giving advice when asked.
Being a mentor to someone is one of the most important things you can do in your life. Having any impact on another fellow human being is a privilege, but truly mentor them to be a better version of themselves is magic.
I know some people who really love the experience of being a mentor. It’s a good idea.
My grandmother was my first mentor. She was an elementary school teacher and guided me in my studies ever since I was 2.
My mentor was my former boss at my Corporate America job. She taught me everything I know and showed me how to be confident in myself. I owe her so much. As far as me being a mentor, I have been told I am and it feels great. Knowing that, I make sure to set a good example in every aspect of my life.
Great post!
I love my mentors. They teach me a lot and they are the best ever! I learned so much from them. And today, I am sharing it to other people 🙂
I am very thankful for the mentors who have been in my life. I hope some day to be a mentor to someone as well.
These are great! I want to find a local mentoring group!
My Kindergarten teacher was my first mentor. She really spent time with me helping me learn how to read and was always kind and patient.
I used to mentor single moms. One day, I had a huge migraine and to keep my kids entertained, I let them draw on my face with washable markers (the key is to lotion well first). My supervisor just happened to stop by that very same day. I couldn’t pretend we weren’t home — giggling boys near the front door. SO, I bravely answered the door. She laughed then said, “At least you practice what you preach!” Mentoring is the best!
You are so right, don’t waist your time on people with negative energy!
I’d always hoped to find a formal mentor – I suppose its not too late! I like to look to average people I come across as sources of inspiration, but would love something more structured.
Never too late to start afresh!
I dont have any group operating mentor stuff here. I would love to join one!
This is a great post. Mentors are supposed to make a difference in the lives of those that they mentor.
I have definitely been thinking about volunteering more.
I had a teacher in high school that I considered a mentor. I’d love to give back the way that she did.
I love mentoring! Growing up I had some awesome mentors in my life.
Mentoring when done correctly gives as much to the mentor as it does to the one being mentored. Can be a life changing event for both parties involved. These are some really good tips.
My first mentor was my 12th grade English teacher–she was also my Journalism teacher-I took it as an extra class. She really gave me confidence which I did not have very much of back then!
I’ve got some really great mentors in my life and I’m lucky for it. I hope that I’ve had a hand in helping others with mentoring as well.
It is very rewarding when you are part of a mentoring volunteering program. I am glad I can make a difference even if it is in a small way.