Do You Need A Mentor' - Kim Barnes Jefferson

A few weeks ago I was working a fitness camp and had the opportunity to have a one on one dinner with one of
my mentors.It was during that dinner I said something that I want to achieve in the next 6 months out loud.

Now that it’s out there. She’s already texted me a few times asking me what am I doing about it. Stay tuned there will be more to come on this topic!

I laugh because when I first met her I had know idea what a mentor was, but I knew she was doing something that I wanted to eventually be able to do.

Our mentorship wasn’t a formal thing; she became my fitness coach and then become my friend. During that time we developed relationship and I deeply respect her advice.

“Find someone who has a life that you want and figure out how they got it. Read books, pick your role models wisely. Find out what they did and do it.”

While I didn’t know this quote at the time, it’s not become my mantra. It’s become part of my belief system.

I’ve been very fortunate that over the years I’ve had several mentors folks who I sought out or folks that have entered my life and have been willing to share their knowledge with me. I am FOREVER grateful.

Sure I’ve had help, but I have been blessed to be a mentor to others. Still to this day it blows my mind that I’m able to help people in a way that I ‘ve been helped.

You see, I’m just like you I put on my lulus on leg at a time =)

Have you been fortunate enough to have mentors in your life” If you haven’t think about it like this:

What’s easier: Working toward your goals alone through hit or miss style, or finding someone who has been there done that!

Did you say duh’ Seriously if someone has laid the breadcrumbs I’m going to follow.

It’s like a pothole on the street I love when Waze (it’s a navigation app) says to my hazard area and I know what to look for and how to avoid it.

Mentors/coaches do the same thing, they help you to avoid the same mistakes and help you to focus your time and energy on what truly works. That’s the power of a mentor/coach.

Imagine yourself with a set plan and just the right advice. For me, coaching has shaved years off the time it would have taken me to reach my goals otherwise!

Here are the reasons why you need a coach:

1. Builds confidence. Think of when you where learning to ride a bike. You had training wheels and then you took the wheels off and your parents held on for a bit and then you were riding a bike!!

2. Guided plan. How many times have you written out your plan and never took action or maybe half assed action. You had no one to hold you accountable, no one to tell you that your plan may or may not be realistic. Your coach will know shortcuts and can help you stay accountable as well.

3. Dealing with the change. When you are trying to make a change, really wanting to go for it. Shit will come up. Coaches can help you cope and give you tips on how to avoid similar situations in the future.

4. Personal attention. A coach/mentor helps to personally guided along your chosen path. If you run into struggles, your coach will be there to provide much needed support and suggestions. I’ve relied on this time and time again. Not sure how where I would be without this support!

5. Dealing with challenges. Things will not always go according to plan. When you hit a snag, your coach can help you overcome the challenge and steer you back into the correct direction. You can feel comfortable knowing that you’re receiving expert guidance.

6. Versatility. You can decide how you’d like to use your coach. Do you want help with short-term goals or long-term goals’ Perhaps you’d like both. This is key especially when I’m navigating in some uncharted waters.

7. Enthusiasm. Think about having your own personal cheerleader. Their excitement and support will naturally rub off on you. If you are open

These are the reasons why I’ve had and will continue to work with a coach. I’d love to hear who some of your mentors have been’