#2013alive: Seek Out a Role Model

It’s month 4, week 3 of our 12 Months of Wellness. This week we’re looking for someone to act as a mentor—someone we can look up to for guidance and advice.

For those of us who are seeking our bliss by looking for a change in our lives, seeking out a mentor to help us through the transition can be invaluable in smoothing the way. A mentor can offer some really valuable benefits: they can teach, encourage, and support us along our path to bliss.

Life experience mentors

For example, if you’ve decided your bliss lies in learning to play the piano, someone you know who’s played the piano (perhaps has even taught the fine art to students) might be a good choice as mentor. She may be able to give you advice on what type of piano to choose, on finding a teacher, and even on how to approach practising. You could also visit a local community music group or school to find a role model.

Career mentors

On the other hand, if changing your career is the answer to finding your bliss, try asking around among friends and relatives to see if someone in their circle who works in your chosen field can help show you the way. Alternatively, networking at a professional association in the field you’re hoping to get into can offer many options and opportunities.

Find a good fit

Most importantly, you should be comfortable with the person who’ll act as your mentor. If you’re the shy and reticent sort who avoids outgoing, loud people, you might want to consider avoiding people with this kind of personality; their approach to solving problems may not fit well with your personality.

The big ask

And just how do you ask someone to be your mentor? Well, that largely depends upon personalities—both yours and theirs. Best not to ask straight out, though. “Will you be my mentor?” may put some people off. Try asking for some advice and gauge her interest first. If you get a positive response, a follow-up at a later date to show your appreciation might help to cement your mentorship relationship.

What’s your plan?

Do you have any ideas about new paths you’d like to forge? And if so, do you have anyone in mind who might be valuable—and interested—in helping you begin your new journey? We’d love to hear about it. Drop us a line via blog posts or Facebook comments, or by using the Twitter hashtag #2013alive.