Got Goals? 4 Ways A Mentor Can Help You Reach Them

Posted on June 15, 2018

Don’t have a mentor? You need one.

And fast.

Mentors are invaluable. No matter your position, industry or career trajectory, they’re often the missing link between you and your goals. The last rung on the ladder to penultimate success.

Whether you’re tackling an on-the-job challenge, itching for that promotion or considering a move, they often have the perspective, skills, and experience to help you overcome and thrive.

Here are just some of the things a mentor can do for your career:

1. They help you learn the lessons without making the mistakes.

Mentors have been there, done that. They’ve lost their way and suffered the consequences of their actions. With their seasoned knowledge and guidance, you don’t have to do the same. Learn from their mistakes, take those lessons to heart and put them into action to achieve the goals you’ve set out for yourself.

2. They give you support, inspiration and encouragement.

Your mentor is there to help you succeed. Come rain or shine, they’re your cheerleader, lifting you up, giving you sage wisdom and pointing you in the right direction. In many cases, they may have experienced the exact same challenges and issues you’re facing – and that means they truly understand and empathize with what you’re going through. (This is just one of the many reasons why it’s important to find a mentor aligned with your goals and background.)

3. They hold you accountable.

Mentors are there to keep your eyes on the prize. They want regular check-ins, chats and updates, and if you’re not making progress on your goals, they’ll hold your feet to the fire and force you to plow ahead. It might be annoying when you just want to phone it in for a few weeks after the holidays, but their investment in you can remind you of your potential – motivating you, inspiring you and pushing you back in the game.

4. Give you invaluable connections.

You’ve heard that old saying “it’s not what you know, but who you know,” right? Well, a mentor can help with that, too. Your mentor becomes a part of your network. And the more they get to know your skills and believe in you, the more of an advocate they become for your career. When they hear of a job opening you’d be a good fit for or they have a friend in need of a recommendation, you can bet your name will be top of mind.

Time to Make the Change

If you don’t have a mentor yet, it’s time to take action and find one who can support you, guide you and help you achieve your goals. Sign up for iConnectX today, and search through our directory of experienced executives and mentors. Find one who aligns with your exact goals and career aspirations, and use our digital bridge to connect with them easily, conveniently and from anywhere in the world.