When
the job search (or in my situation, developing a new business) has gone on for
a while and you reach a plateau, it can hit you like a ton of bricks. The
self-doubt and negative inner talk starts to creep in. Much like reaching a
diet plateau you see your business image as out of shape and not very
attractive to others.
This
is not the time to hunker down, shave your head and join a monastery. This
is the time to call in the cavalry.
You
need a mentor.
That
person can be:
- A colleague in your field
- A advisor from a program like SCORE
- A former or current teacher
- A past employer
- A networking connection
- A wise friend
I
have been going through a particularly tough run of weeks. The money coming is
insufficient, the demands on my time are totally insane, and my confidence is
seriously waning. During this same time, my mid-point check in with Jeff, my
mentor from WomenVenture,
was scheduled. I dreaded the meeting, even though I know Jeff to be a great guy
and an experienced mentor. I thought, “Oh no. Now all the terrible things I
have been telling myself will be stated out loud!”
Guess
what? I am not at all what I thought I was. Jeff was able to not only
understand my situation, but offered concrete steps to move forward with
renewed confidence. He did so in a way that illuminated the positive
things I had accomplished. I am very grateful for that.
My
business spirit was further lifted by a lunch meeting with Jen, a friend and
entrepreneur who is building a business very similar to mine, but is farther
along on that path. Her words of wisdom held the revelation that my situation
has actually happened before. Who would have thought it?
So
when the going got tough, I doubled up on mentors. The effect was a much needed
transformation in how I value my talents and my purpose.
Pursuing
your dream of meaningful work is a lonely business, but we don’t have to be in
it alone. An impartial and experienced perspective may be just what you need
right now. Not the kind that comes from your mother who loves you no matter
what - but the kind that comes from knowledge imparted by someone who has been
where you are.
My
March tip: Find a good mentor and do not be
afraid to call on them as needed.
