Someone once said that you should spend a third of your time with those ahead of you, a third with those at your level and a third with those behind you. Somewhere in the juggle of the rapidly shifting world, we have lost the value of having mentors. As a young adult, you provide so much value by moving into this mentor/apprentice model that we have negated for so long. The baby boomers are moving out of the jobs that they’ve held for decades and are dying for someone onto whom they can pass their knowledge. Just think about that for one second. You have a whole population out there that has amassed a career’s worth of invaluable experience and all they want is someone to step in and prove themselves worthy of receiving it.
So, how do you prove yourself worthy?
Simple.
Give a Shit
That’s it.
You’ll find that if you can learn to look at the baby boomers as the priceless resource that they are and you genuinely try to learn from their experiences, you will bring them a ton of fulfillment. When they truly understand that you are interested in listening, they will open up like a fire hydrant and you will be limited only by the speed in which you can retain information.
This cannot be faked. You must be sincere. You must actually give a shit.
If you fake your interest, or worse yet, if you are motivated solely by selfish gains, they will know, and you will not have the lasting power to keep it up on the hard days. It will backfire bad. The enigma that abounds is that when you focus on benefitting others, and sincerely care about them, you yourself gain the most.
You see, just like all the biological systems, our social systems really are designed (or have evolved) to benefit each member to the greatest extent, this includes you. All you have to do is take a step back, and get an honest look at where you can provide the greatest utility. Put your ego on the shelf for a second, and ask yourself objectively, “how far along am I in this field?”
Humility is one of those traits that we overlook way to frequently when we look at success stories. You have to be humble enough to admit when you should be the one learning and generous enough to step up when you should be the one teaching. Here’s the key to the castle, never stop learning.
Take a look around and see who you know that is getting later in their years in a profession you respect/admire. Once you’ve identified the person, comes the awkward part. You have to stick your neck out and make contact. This will be much easier than you think as soon as you check your ego. Call them, or drop by at their house if the relationship allows, and lead from the heart with sincerity and vulnerability.
Lead with something like “I have a lot of respect for what you’ve done in your career, and I’d love to learn from you.”
It is important to note that you are not asking or needling for a job, you are merely going out of your way to recognize this person’s value. This sounds crazy. Who does that after all?! And how in the world can you not be awkward in such a situation?!
Exactly!
Embrace the awkward! No one else does. This puts you in a category of one. Think about what you will be offering this role model of yours. Pure recognition and validation for their years of hard work and dedication. No strings attached.
Offer to meet once a month for coffee and listen to their latest endeavours. If they take you up on this, you can foster a relationship that provides value for both of you moving forward. But even if they don’t, you have provided them with value, and they will think of you if they have a position come available down the road.
Maybe you see no tangible benefit whatsoever. It doesn’t matter. Remember, you are providing value to your community, and it may be the only time in their life that they get called, out of the blue, to be recognized for their contributions.
The only sacrifice on your end is a bit of awkwardness.
So tell me, are you really going to let a little fear and awkwardness prevent them from that experience.
Step up.
Stay Fun Farms 