This is the first of our 'Find a Mentor' series where I share valuable insights and opinions my podcast guests have shared with me during our conversations.
(Mildly edited for context). Listen to the episode here.
T.L: Your thoughts on finding a mentor.
Hannah: I have a hard time finding one mentor for everything.
Sometimes I'll find a mentor that really covers a specific component of my life.
Like a yoga teacher who I love (for) the way they teach yoga, but don't necessarily want them as my nutritional coach, because I don't want to eat the way they eat.
Or finding somebody who has great habits in their life. But is not in a profession that resonates for me in some way. So I always find that partial mentors are a little bit easier for me than a full mentor.
'....the relationship can have some really healthy boundaries.'
And it also removes the potential for the dogmatic. The relationship can have some really healthy boundaries.
That's one reason why I love social media. I find the weirdest, coolest, fun-est people doing things where I go,
'...I never thought about that before!'.
And I can start following them from a distance for a little while, and slowly work my way into their circle till I have a certain level of trust with them.
T.L.: That is a fantastic answer - on so many levels. Thank you!
And if I may share some thoughts on why I think so:
One cause you're being fair to the mentor. You're letting them do what they're best at, and help you with that!
And, secondly, it also goes to show how social media can be a positive force if used to do something like build relationships and trust.
Summary
A note from T.L.: Hannah's approach and advice on finding mentors is one to consider seriously. Instead of finding one single mentor who covers all aspects of her life, she prefers partial mentors who excel in specific areas. I can personally confirm that this approach has been a great help for me as well!
The one reminder I would like to add is that a certain degree of maturity is needed to discern and identify the qualities we are looking for in multiple mentors. And the skills and experience to summarise and transform the input they give us, into one stream of knowledge that serves our individual goals.
Key Points & Insights
- It can feel like a struggle to find one single mentor who covers all aspects of our lives.
- Hannah (and me) both prefer partial mentors who excel in specific areas.
- Partial mentorships can help maintain healthy boundaries and avoid dogmatism.
- Social media can be a help in discovering inspiring individuals.
- Social media can also help build trust gradually with individuals before investing in serious mentor-mentee relationships.
