for W3c validation
Is your mentor a good role model? Here’s how you know.
Having someone by your side in a time of need or a time of celebration can make the road in life a little easier to travel. A good role model is important and can help mentor and guide you.
But, how do you know if your mentor is right for you?
Your mentor can be anyone who you look up to, and who you think will have valuable tips and information. It can be a teacher, a parent, a boss, a family friend, someone at church or a neighbor. It can be people who have experienced similar situations or someone whom you aspire to be like.
For starters, know what you want a mentor to do.
Some people pick a mentor for a specific thing – like to help them get into college or to help them get a job. Others want someone who can be there for big decisions like getting married or navigating difficult times in life.
Remember this when picking a mentor:
- Does your mentor have a good attitude? You don’t want someone who is a complainer helping you make decisions. Find someone who has an upbeat mindset and approaches problems with a “let’s fix this” attitude.
- Has your mentor been in your shoes or do you want to be where they are at in life? It’s hard to talk to someone who doesn’t know what you are going through. If you are looking for help navigating a difficult situation, find someone who has overcome challenges similar to what you are experiencing. Someone who can honestly say “been there, done that.” Or, find someone who is where you want to be in life.
- Does your mentor have your best interests in mind? If your mentor seems too pushy about guiding you toward something you don’t enjoy, don’t want to do, or toward something you don’t think is right for you, they may not be the right the right fit. A good mentor will ask you what you’d like to do with your life and share their own experience and knowledge. You will feel better about decisions they help you make if it’s something that you want to do.
- Is your mentor listening – really listening – to you? If it feels like your mentor is distracted or not paying attention, you might want to look elsewhere. You need someone who is going to listen to you and provide helpful advice or feedback.
- Is your mentor respectful of you and others? Your mentor should be kind to you and others. If your mentor is in the habit of putting down people or gossiping, then that’s not the mentor for you. When you are going through rough times, you need someone with a good personality who will help you see your worth. You should feel proud to say you know your mentor.
Once you decided who you want your mentor to be and what your goals are, share with them your thoughts and ideas. Working together to meet your goals is where change and success happen.
