As we begin new journeys in life, we may stumble from time to time. There is rarely a smooth path in life that allows us to reach our goals quick and easy. While growing up I remember my mom telling me that nothing worth having comes easy. Sometimes the goals we are working to attain seem so far out of grasp that they feel as though they will never happen. We struggle with what we need to do or how we go about doing it. We ask ourselves the question over and over: if only there were someone who could show me the way. The good news is that there is someone; a mentor.

I think about all the time I have spent beating my head against a wall trying to figure things out. There have been so many times I have felt alone in my journey to achieve some of my life-long goals. There have been so many times I have wanted to give up because things became so difficult and I could not find the answers I was searching for. I have asked myself what if question more times than I could count. The question I ask myself now is why in the world did I wait so long to find a mentor?

Having a mentor by your side as you work through whatever personal or professional journey you are on can make the difference between failure and success. Not only can they help you with knowledge and support, but they can help you to become a far better version of yourself than you ever thought possible. With all the experience they have under their belt, you would be silly not use a mentor. Think about all the advice they can offer that took them years to acquire. Their blood, sweat, and tears that are able to save you are more than beneficial, it is a lifesaver.

Benefits of having a mentor

Having a mentor is not just to just advance your goals. “You’ll discover the unexpected benefits of mentoring and how you’ll feel happier – both at work and in your personal life. They’ll help you gain self-awareness, respect your colleagues more and become a better team player. In short, they’ll build your character.”

Your success matters to them.

As your mentor, your ability to succeed is important to them. They will be your number one fan. They will give you the encouragement to succeed, praise you when good things happen, and pull you up when things may not be going right.

They will be your Yoda

You will learn so much from them. The knowledge, experience, and life lessons they can teach you will be invaluable in all aspects of your life. You will be guided by them to achieve your goals, and if you listen closely, there is no limit to your potential.

You will have a confidant

Even if your mentor is for professional reasons, you will have someone you can entrust your thoughts and feelings with. The emotional aspects of your journey may sometimes overwhelm and overpower you and you may need someone to talk to. Your mentor can be that person for you.

They help you to focus

Your mentor can help you to stay on track. They can be that tiny voice in your head that motivates and encourages you to keep going. They will be the driver of the tunnel vision you need to achieve your goals.

Constructive feedback

Your mentor can provide constructive feedback which will help you greatly. It is always nice to hear the praise, but sometimes, when you make a mistake, it is nice to have someone close to you who will tell you without ridicule. Your mentor will do this in the most positive manner possible.

Your greatest networking tools

Networking is key in today’s world. Your mentor knows a lot of people, and through his or her connections, future possibilities are sure to arise. Someone they introduce you today may become a very lucrative business connection, future employer, or lifelong friend. The possibilities are endless.

No matter what your reason is to have a mentor, he or she will be the most valuable thing you can do for yourself. Your career aspirations to you personally will be affected in such a positive way because of your mentor. All you will learn and do will be greatly impacted if you have a mentor. There are so many people overflowing with knowledge and experience who want to help. Take the time to find yourself a mentor and change your life.