5 Ways To Find Strong Mentors

Let’s face it, living in this world is challenging, especially if you don’t have a strong support system and mentors from which to glean. Growing up with mentors can make the transition from childhood to adulthood smoother and less traumatic. Furthermore, continuing this type of partnership throughout life is important for stability and growth.

I recommend that everyone have at least one mentor and be a mentor to someone else. Sometimes, mentors just show up in our lives or they have always been there. However, it’s also important to know how to find mentors because our lives change and we lose people along the way. Here are some ways to find strong mentors.

Have Keen Awareness of the World and Others

Paying attention to people who are doing things or living in a way that inspires and appeals to us is a way we find role models. This practice is nothing new. For thousands of years, humans have looked up to and learned from elders, experts, and wise, talented people. We don’t have to look too far to find such people in our society. People like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Ghanndi, Oprah, Einstein, and countless others have made large contributions to our modern world. Not to mention how each of these people has inspired countless others to do the same. 

Look at Professionals in Your Industry

If you’re looking for a mentor who can help you with business or your career, you might start with those who are in your industry. First, you could look at your direct superiors or upper management at your company. Make sure they are living and working in a way that lines up with your values and goals before you start hanging around them. Keep in mind, not everyone appearing professional has it all together. Many people go to great lengths to seem like they are successful, kind, fair, and compassionate. 

Try talking to the owner of the business you work for. Not only has he/she been in your position but will have also grown and moved into the position presently held. Though you don’t need to follow in their footsteps, you can learn from their experiences that can power your own success and decision making, along with motivating you to do better.

Look for Spiritual Leaders

Whether you believe in a god, gods, or nothing at all, it makes sense to focus on the fact that we are spiritual beings. Even those who don’t have any particular faith can glean from practices like meditation and mindfulness. You will probably have to learn along the way, and a lot of people find it hard to know where to start. 

I recommend that you seek mentorship with spiritual leaders that you resonate with. Even if you’re seeking something to believe, be careful about whom you connect yourself to. There are many forms of spiritual practices like vows of silence, chanting, praying for hours, spiritual punishment, and some that may seem strange and even more “out there”. However, it is important to find what works for you and leadership that helps to bring you peace, joy, and feelings of love for yourself.

Be Social

Just getting yourself out there meeting people will open doors to those who can mentor you. After all, most people who are role models to others aren’t sitting at home binge-watching Netflix. They are out in the world, working, learning, talking, socializing, and helping others be the best they can be. Furthermore, you don’t have to be the best socialite to have opportunities to meet others who might be important to your future. Simply be present and pay attention to who is around you and what they are talking about. 

Find Relationship Mentors in Your Family or Circle of Friends

If you’re not good at communication and find it hard to hold down relationships, look for a couple who has been together for a long time and ask them what they’re doing. This couple might be your own parents, grandparents, or someone close to you. If a couple has made it through a lifetime of challenges and stayed together, I’m sure they would want to share their secrets and help. This can be more helpful than sitting in a therapist’s office doing couples counseling.

Finding mentors can be a challenging process but worth the effort. You’re never too old to learn and grow. A good role model helps to bring out your gifts and talents and will give you support along your journey. They will inspire you to do better, and you can use their life experience to learn from.