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Every child has an image in their mind of who they want to be when they 'grow up.' It is the images seen in their home, community, and through the media that shapes and molds their concept of what is right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable. Just as a child needs a positive role model in their life to help mentor them into becoming dignified individuals - adults also need the counsel and guidance of a mentor to help us along our personal and professional paths.
With the economy spiraling and unstable, the careers of women have been strained, challenged, and modified. This is the time when having a mentor can be the difference between coping and crumbling under the pressure, the difference between sinking and swimming. Some of us are merely treading water, and that is okay. A mentor can be there to throw you a life raft or coach you to the shore.
Look at the images of women around you. Who do you admire? Which of these women are doing the things you aspire to do, and are walking confidently even through the storms of life? Why not forge a relationship with these women and ask them to consider becoming your mentor?
I can recall when I was first taken under the wing of one of my mentors more than 20 years ago. She was so strong, wise, caring, and supportive. She encouraged me to give my best and do my best - that women could not be satisfied with being average or 'good enough.' To stand out and be counted we must work smarter, be focused and decisive. We must march through fear and doubt without missing a step. She told me just recently a few weeks ago, "When you're going through hell, keep going." Twenty years later my mentor is still only a phone call, email, or text message away - pushing me to be my best. That is what mentoring is all about!
If you already have a mentor, have you ever considered becoming one to another woman, who reminds you of yourself 5, 10, or 15 years ago? If we want to push through glass ceilings, we must reach back and grab the hand of a fellow sister.
Natasha L. Foreman, MBA is a Business and Entertainment Consultant, Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, and Blogger. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Organization and Management with a specialization in Management Education, and a certificate in College Teaching. Natasha has been involved in various philanthropic and grassroots movements for over 20 years. She is actively involved in her community, visiting and speaking with students at local K-12 schools throughout Metro Atlanta, Georgia and Orange County, California.
Natasha can be reached via email at natasha@natashaforeman.info, through her Paradigm Life blog at paradigmlife.blogspot.com, or you can follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/natashaforeman
