I am fortunate to have access to fairly open roads along the countryside for many of my long bike rides. I pass several churches that have their own sayings on various signs, and one phrase in particular caught my eye.
It read: 2 B 1, Ask 1
Of course, this made me think about what they were trying to say, and I related it to my own personal experiences. I took it as them saying one should seek assistance or guidance with someone in a position in which you might aspire to, or at least seek out this individual for clues on how to get “there.”
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The dictionary calls a mentor a “trusted guide or counselor.” Through the years I have been lucky enough to have mentors in different facets of my life from teachers in school, business leaders, and coaches from various sports. I continue to seek mentors from various backgrounds and with different skill-sets. I personally seek out individuals who have either experiences in which I hope to share, accomplished a similar goal, or who have led others down similar paths.
If you seek a true mentor or mentorship, know that it is a two-way road and a relationship versus just someone you might visit a few times for advice. These are different situations.
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Think through your current state and look to others as your next step by asking:
- Am I interacting with the right people?
- Do I network in the right groups?
- How do others find their mentors?
Know that the mentorship can take time, and it might take you several interactions in order to start cultivating the relationship. Also know when it might be time to move on and seek other guidance.
Remember, if you are not going to invest the time needed with your counselor, maybe it is not the right time for you.
Keep an open mind and you will find yours. He or she might appear when you least expect it.
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Tony Hammett is a USAT Certified Coach and Race Director who lives in Douglas County. He coaches athletes from 5k runs to Iron-distance triathlons. You can learn more about him and his team here: www.PeakRacingTeam.com or by contacting him at Tony@PeakRacingTeam.com.
