10 reasons why you need a Mentor*

*10 reasons why you need a Mentor* 

 *Increased knowledge* 

Mentors are valuable sources of knowledge.   Because they have already been through it, they'll provide advice on how to be more efficient

 *Constructive criticism* 

Friends family members and seniors may hesitate to provide the type of feedback you need to make a change in your personal or professional life. Mentors offer constructive criticism designed to strengthen areas of your life that need improvement. Without this insight, personal growth may take longer to achieve. Encourage mentors to tell you how you may improve your strategy to better reach your goals.

 *Personal growth* 

Mentors look for ways to encourage personal growth. Once they understand your skills and abilities, they may put you to work on a specific task to see how well you perform. Based on your performance, they might give you another challenge to test you or give you detailed feedback on what you did well and what you may improve upon. Mentors look for teaching moments that help you grow along the way

 *Words of encouragement* 

When you need an extra boost of confidence, mentors offer support and words of encouragement to keep you going when life gets tough. Without a mentor, negative thoughts may become more prominent in your daily life, especially when dealing with a difficult subject or issue. Positive encouragement helps motivate you to keep trying your best, despite the challenges.

 *Firm boundaries* 

Successful mentorships are founded on boundaries that define social expectations and make you feel safe. Mentors create healthy boundaries that work in your favor. For example, mentors help set priorities, define unacceptable behaviors and provide guidance regarding balanced work-life scheduling. Mentors help bring awareness to any issues that may be affecting your emotional well-being and provide solutions to overcome any negatives with boundaries.

 *Unbiased opinions* 

Because mentors play a neutral role in your life, they have the ability to give unbiased opinions on subjects you care about. For example, if you have several ideas for a job but need help choosing the best option, mentors are great resources for advice. Drawing on their past experiences, mentors provide opinions that they believe fit your circumstance best.

 *Trusted ally* 

The relationship between a mentor and a mentee must be built upon trust, honesty and transparency. When you need someone you can trust, having a mentor as an objective third-party is a great resource. Mentors work to earn your trust in a variety of ways that include listening to your stories and keeping your information confidential.

 *Goal-setting* 

If you need help setting and achieving goals, mentors are the perfect allies to keep you accountable. Your mentor can help develop your career by setting new goals for you and providing clarity on how to take action. When you first begin the mentorship, write down a list of goals that make you feel uncomfortable in a positive way. Know that this discomfort comes from a fear of change. Once you achieve your goals, notice how this fear transitions into excitement.

 *New perspective* 

Working with a mentor is life-changing because it helps you understand who you are and what you want to become. While mentors are not therapists, they help promote feelings of awareness and discovery that only come through conscious effort. Once you've experienced life with a mentor, you may want to share your experiences with others too, which helps you become a better leader yourself and provides you with a new perspective on life.

 *Networking connections* 

Mentors commonly offer to share their network connections with their mentees. When you enlist the help of a mentor, you increase your chances for new professional contacts, which may lead you to new opportunities.