My Mentor ROCKS
I adore my mentor- an undisclosed powerhouse answers my texts, phone calls, and e-mails in an instant; always offering me a priceless perspective or asks me 1 question I hadn't though of. We meet in person about every other month and these days he sure does put me back together as my world is spinning faster than a yo-yo. I can't say that he answers questions directly but rephrases to ask me a question that forces my critical thinking to ignite. It's different being ignited by someone else- almost like being hit in the head with a shovel. I wish I could say that I was surrounded by more people that I find intellectually stimulating but I have a couple that can get my mind spinning or offer me a 30 minute vent that is capable of turning into a deeper analytically/philosophical conversation; where epiphanies are born. Better than an answer, as I dislike being told what to do. Even if sometimes I find myself just wanting the answers to all the multiple choice questions that keep me up at night. I appreciate every second I can be surrounded by someone who believes in me, allows me to speak freely and challenges me to reach farther.
A body builder could never be as successful alone then with a spotter to push them to do a few more reps, to support them to increase their goals and encourage them when they are weak. Everyone needs a little oomph. If you don't have someone that inspires you, challenges your process or pushes you to go a little bit farther- keep your eyes open; you'll see it when you meet them.
Finding the right mentor is not an easy task. I was very fortunate for a happenstance through my linked in account. I was researching my ideal job title and reading everyone's carer history to see what paths they took to get where they are now. I ran across one that boggled my mind and impressed me on the cross industry route. After reading over 100 profiles I recognized the sender of a direct message as that profile. I asked if he had every though about career mentoring or could offer a little dream guidance; I got a "yes". It has been a year now. The only thing he did tell me to do was to FOCUS and STOP with the 9 different projects. I still have 4 but I am managing 4 quite fine. Well, 100 hours a week is fine because I LOVE 70 of those hours. I don't feel that I have the time to put all my eggs in one basket. Instead, I am busting my toosh to see which one pans out for me. Finding a mentor that understands your passion, personality and maybe see's a little bit of themselves in you can keep a dream alive. Sometimes, I have felt that I want to accomplish too much and that I should consider taking a more realistic approach. Being told I was a dreamer my entire life... at 30 you may find yourself reflecting on those opinions. My initial meeting was to just ask someone that did it "do I have what it takes to make it or am I crazy- (should I get the normal 9-5 and learn to accept my reality)"? No one until that point really "got me" or could relate to the amount of torque in my drive train.
His immediate reaction relights my fire when it begins to dim or someone tries to blow it out. I have to find my own path, I wouldn't be happy if someone took my thunder away. However, I also am smart enough to know that I can't do it without support and a little love shown here and there. I appreciate every opportunity that has come my way and looking forward to them snowballing into an new adventure.
The to the fashionista's and future CEO's... build your network, value your relationships, reciprocate the support you are given and never expect it to be handed to you. I've been on top at every company I have worked for but never in a position that I wanted to adjust my daily activities to maintenance schedule. I didn't like what I was doing I just wanted to win; once you win you need to like what you are doing to hold your position. I was young and testing my abilities; I just wanted to reach the top; I never had any intentions of staying. Now, I have found a few things that I am interested in maintaining for as many years I can manage; a few that I know have a short life expectancy but it will free up some time for a new endeavor. Enjoy the journey of success because it's harder to show improvement when you are on top. When the excitement of the chase is over the pressure changes from architecture to maintenance. If you know this going in you might have a better chance enjoying all the little moments during the ride and spend your time chasing something you love enough to maintain when you get to the top!
Passionately yours,
Casey Golden aKa The Butt Therapist