8 QUOTES THAT WOULD HELP YOU UNDERSTAND MENTORING

I am sure you are familiar with motivational/inspirational quotes, at least I am. Motivational quotes do just that, they motivate. A phrase or short sentence that is written or said to spur you into action; quotes have been around for a long time. I understand that some of us are not as open to it, because “it is easier said than done” right? You are not interested in these “aspire to desire to perspire” talks. However, this truth remains, most quotes were culled from words spoken by people who have faced life’s travails and triumphed. Besides which is better, going on a journey unaided by any information or going armed with information by people who have taken the same path and succeeded. I believe the latter option is better, which is why I am sharing these eight quotes on mentoring with you.

“Our chief want in life is somebody who will make us do what we can.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Whether we know it or not, this is what we all crave. One way or the other we are continually searching for that person that will help us discover and develop that which we already possess. The only way this “want” can be satiated is by getting a mentor. A mentor will help you discover your hidden talents and abilities, even the one you are not aware of possessing.

“For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”

Philippians 14:3

“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen and a push in the right direction.”

-John C. Crosby

The American novelist summarises everything mentoring is about in this simple sentence. Let me break it down for you. A mentor’s brain is the perfect place to get brilliant ideas; they have gathered so much experience and knowledge that there is more than enough for you to draw.  “An ear to listen” refers to a mentor’s availability to be there to listen to your ideas, fears and thoughts. It gets better. A mentor can also be the one to give you that nudge you need or connect you with that investor or generally point you in the direction you are to go. Does it get any better than that?

“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.”

-Oprah Winfrey

Coming from someone who had a mentor, you have to believe these words. There are times we are down on our self-confidence, and we begin to think we are not worth much, at such time mentors help you see the magic inside of you. The world knows Oprah today as one of the most powerful women in America, but we must not forget that there was a Maya Angelou who helped Oprah see the hope inside herself.

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulder of giants.”

-Isaac Newton

Imagine yourself standing on the peak of Everest, how far will you be able to see? Very far, right? I would not be surprised if that were the image the great mathematician had in mind when he said this. Having a mentor helps you go farther than you would ordinarily have gone on your own. When you have a mentor, you can stand on their wealth of relevant knowledge, their experience, their connections and their support.  I do not think shoulders get any taller than that.

“Show me a successful individual, and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living—if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.”

– Denzel Washington

For every successful man or woman, there is someone somewhere supporting and directing them. Anybody who wants to succeed needs to understand the importance of mentors. Having a mentor is one of the greatest services you can do for yourself.

“If you know where you are going, your journey is short. If you know how to get there, your journey is shorter. If you know who has gotten there and you subscribe to demands of his/her mentoring- voila, there you are!”

–Oladele Olunike

As an individual who has a goal in mind, all that would occupy your every waking thought will be how to achieve the goal. Imagine if you do not only know how to achieve that goal, but you also know someone who has achieved and surpassed that goal, and is willing to hold your hand every step of the way. You would be unstoppable.

“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.”

– Steven Spielberg

A common misconception about mentoring is that a mentor creates a person to be like them, that is wrong! It is also one of the reasons some people have been discouraged from getting mentors. Mentoring is not cloning! Now, while a mentor is not creating you to be like them, they are to direct and guide you to achieve success like theirs or even greater in whatever field you have chosen.

“We’re here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.”

– Whoopi Goldberg

Mentoring is a part of our purpose, by helping someone through their journey, you are also fulfilling your purpose, and you will be surprised at how much you can learn while at it.

I hope you would pay more attention to these quotes the next time you come across them. Thank you for reading.

Do you have more quotes on mentoring? Please share them with me. I will be waiting in the comment section.