Apples Are My Favorite!

Next to green grapes, apples are my favorite. Not just any apples though. They have to be Fuji Apples! Fuji Apples are dabomb.com; especially when they're refrigerated.

I was speaking to a group the other day regarding Mentor/Mentee relationships. I believe this to be the most undervalued relationship there is. There is alot of focus on a "I'm going to do it myself" attitude and no search for someone who's already been where you're trying to go. I didn't understand the value of this relationship until in undergrad. The relationship developed over time even after graduation and still continues to thrive. I try to surround myself with people who are going to POUR INTO ME and PULL THE BEST OUT OF ME. The truth is, regardless of the age or stage, we all need a friendly skeptic, a loving critic, a coach, or a mentor who can help us make sense of the world.

Alot of us need mentors, but it takes a little courage to ask someone to serve as your mentor. The next question is, "How do I go about getting a mentor?" 3 Simple Steps...

1. Identify The Need- What am I in need of? What do I need help/guidance with? What do I lack experience with? What do I need to learn more about?

2. Identify The Candidates- Identify the person or people. Study them. Get to know them. Ask them questions.

3. Have the conversation- "I notice you're good at _____ and I was wondering if you would mind mentoring me in that area?"

For a season in my life, I felt as if I was in a desert because I was searching for THAT SUPER MENTOR. This is that man who has it all together! Great husband, father, professional, leader, steward, and the list goes on and on. Foolish of me! For those of you who are doing the same thing; male or female... Don't mean to burst your bubble, but THAT PERSON DOES NOT EXIST! LOL! They don't and it took me sometime to realize. "A smart person turns anyone who can help them into a mentor." In other words, find that person who does what you are looking for well.

In the beginning, I spoke about Fuji Apples and I asked you, "How many apples did you see?" A lot of you may have said just one. Others may have said more than one; somewhere along the lines of maybe 4 or 5. Those persons are correct. If you saw 4-5 apples, you are correct. Reason being is because within the one apple are about 4 seeds. If you remove those seeds, plant them, nurture them, and take care of them; you'll grow 4 more apples. Similar to the mentor/mentee relationship. If you are mentoring 4 persons in your matron (sphere of influence) by passing on wisdom, experience, and life lessons; you are sure to raise up quality people like you or who exceed you.

Who's mentoring you or Who are you mentoring?

"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we GIVE." ~Winston Churchill

"Mentor: Someone who's HINDSIGHT can become your FORESIGHT."