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From Small Steps to Big Leaps: How Mentors Can Help You Take Action

In life, we are often faced with challenges that require us to step out of our comfort zones and take risks. However, this can be a daunting task, and many people struggle to muster the courage to take that first step. This is where a mentor can make all the difference, helping you cultivate boldness and take risks that have the potential for high reward.
Sana (Snizhana) Ross

20 Years of Leadership + Business Expertise, including CFO, COO

Have you ever been around someone who exudes a sense of boldness and confidence? Someone who seems to take on challenges with ease and inspires those around them to do the same? Boldness can be contagious and having a mentor who embodies this trait can be life-changing.

Boldness is defined as the willingness to take risks and act in the face of uncertainty. It's about pushing beyond your comfort zone and embracing new experiences. When we see someone else being bold, it can inspire us to do the same. This is because humans are social creatures, and we often take cues from those around us.

Think about it – have you ever been in a situation where you were nervous or uncertain about something, but seeing someone else tackle it with confidence gave you the courage to do the same? This is the power of contagious boldness.

Now, imagine having a mentor who embodies this trait. Someone who encourages you to take risks, push beyond your limits, and embrace new experiences. Not only can they inspire you with their own boldness, but they can also guide you in developing this trait within yourself.

A bold mentor can help you:

  1. Take risks and try new things

We all have moments of self-doubt and fear that can hold us back from pursuing our goals. A mentor who is bold and confident can help you break through these barriers and take risks that you may have otherwise been hesitant to try. They can push you out of your comfort zone and help you develop the courage to try new things.

Imagine you've been dreaming of starting your own business but have been too afraid to take the leap. A bold mentor can help you identify the steps you need to take to get started and encourage you to take the first step. They can provide guidance and support as you navigate the challenges that come with entrepreneurship.

  1. Build confidence

Confidence is a key component of boldness. When you have confidence in yourself and your abilities, you're more likely to take risks and try new things. A bold mentor can help you build your confidence by providing encouragement and support as you work towards your goals.

For example, you're an aspiring musician who lacks confidence in your abilities. A bold mentor can help you identify your strengths and provide guidance on how to develop your skills. They can also provide opportunities for you to perform and get feedback, which can help build your confidence over time.

  1. Develop resilience

Boldness also requires resilience. When you take risks, you're bound to face setbacks and failures along the way. A bold mentor can help you develop the resilience you need to bounce back from these challenges and keep moving forward.

Imagine you've been rejected from several job opportunities and are feeling discouraged. A bold mentor can help you reframe your mindset and see rejection as an opportunity for growth. They can guide how to learn from your failures and use them as fuel to keep pushing towards your goals.

  1. Expand your network

A bold mentor can help you expand your network by introducing you to new people and opportunities. They may have connections in industries or fields that interest you and can provide valuable introductions and recommendations.

For example, you're interested in pursuing a career in the tech industry but don't know where to start. A bold mentor who works in the tech industry can introduce you to other professionals in the field, provide guidance on how to build your skills, and help you identify job opportunities.

  1. Gain perspective

Having perspective on your goals and aspirations is extremely valuable. A mentor can help you see your strengths and weaknesses more clearly and provide guidance on how to overcome obstacles that may be holding you back.

Imagine you're feeling stuck in your career and unsure of your next steps. A bold mentor can help you identify your values and priorities, and guide how to align your career goals with your values.

  1. Hold you accountable

A bold mentor can also hold you accountable for taking action towards your goals. They can provide feedback and guidance on how to stay on track and overcome obstacles that may arise along the way.

For example, you've set a goal to run a marathon, but are struggling to stay motivated to train. A bold mentor can hold you accountable for sticking to your training plan and provide encouragement and support as you work towards your goal.

  1. Provide a sounding board

A bold mentor can serve as a sounding board for your ideas and aspirations. They can provide feedback and guidance on your ideas and help you refine them into actionable goals.

Imagine you have an idea for a new business but aren't sure if it's viable. A bold mentor can provide feedback on your idea, help you identify potential challenges, and provide guidance on how to overcome them.


So, how can you find a bold mentor?

Start by identifying people in your network who embody the traits you're looking for. Look for individuals who have achieved success in areas that interest you, and who have a track record of taking risks and pushing beyond their comfort zone.

Once you've identified potential mentors, reach out to them and express your interest in working with them. Be clear about what you hope to gain from the mentorship and how you think they can help you achieve your goals.

It's important to note that finding a mentor is just the first step – building a strong mentor-mentee relationship takes time and effort. Be prepared to invest in the relationship and show your mentor that you're committed to your growth and development.

Boldness is a quality that can be developed through surrounding ourselves with confident individuals and seeking the guidance of a good mentor. A mentor can provide invaluable support, guidance, and accountability as we pursue our goals, and can help us to develop the qualities needed for success and impact. 

So don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, seek out the guidance of a mentor, and embrace the power of boldness. With determination, perseverance, and the right support, anything is possible.

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