The Surprising Benefits of Mentoring

The Surprising Benefits of Mentoring The Surprising Benefits of Mentoring Thinking about giving back or paying it forward as a mentor? There are likely benefits of mentoring you havent considered. Heres what Ive learned.If youve ever thought about mentoring, theres no time like the present to start the process. January is National Mentoring Month. For me, this month also marks the 10-year anniversary of my involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters.Hitting that milestone caused me to reflect on how much Ive gained from the experience - and how easily I could have missed out. While Ive been a mentor for quite awhile now, I welches a would-be mentor for almost as long. It took me years of talking about (and talking myself out of) joining a youth mentorship program before I finally mustered the courage to apply.Overcoming the But Im so busy barrierThe biggest hurdle for me was my schedule. Whenever the idea of volunteering as a mentor crept into my head, Id always go back to this ques tion Where will I find the time? I let busyness become a barrier to giving back.But one day - a particularly hectic day a year after I started freelancing - it finally dawned on me that my Im too busy excuse was just that an excuse. It was a lame, albeit convenient surface-level cover for my deeper worries What if the child and I didnt share anything in common? What if it turned out I was horrible with kids? What if I somehow let the child down? What if he didnt like me?I called myself out and immediately dialed up Big Brothers Big Sisters. Weeks later, I was introduced to a friendly 8-year-old boy. Little Bro and I spent our first meeting at a giant arcade, playing games and eating burgers and chocolate cake.All of my concerns quickly dissolved. We had things in common (an interest in Skee-Ball and oversized desserts, for instance). I liked him. He seemed to like me. Plus, I didnt lose him.During the belastung decade, Ive attended dozens of Little Bros games in various sports. We ve been to many movies and had wide-ranging talks over pepperoni pizza. Hes walloped me in every video game imaginable. But most important, our friendship - our brotherhood - has grown stronger and stronger.Big bro mentoring benefitsIt sounds clich, but I cant overstate the benefits of getting involved with mentoring. Taking on the responsibility helped prepare me for parenthood. But its also led to some valuable career-related revelations. For instance, being a Big Brother has taught me key lessons about work-life balance and time management. (You simply dont allow yourself to work late when theres a kid anxiously waiting to be picked up to go to Chuck E. Cheeses.)Little Bro has also made me think more deeply about my work, my priorities and how I spend my time. Early on, many of our discussions involved what he wanted to be when he grew up and what I actually did for a living. I learned quickly that writing and editing was elend as exciting as being a point guard or Popsicle sal esman. But frequently being asked about what I do and why I do it forced me to ask those same questions of myself. At times, his queries prompted me to pursue projects that were more meaningful, creative, or that would simply make for a good story.And then theres the pride factor of mentoring. That little kid is now an 18-year-old high school honors student and standout basketball player. Hes taller than me, operating a motor vehicle and headed to college next year to study athletic training. Hes idolized by my 7-year-old son and adored by my 3-year-old daughter.My relationship with Little Bro has continually made me realize how quickly time flies. My advice If youve ever considered volunteering to be a mentor - whether its with an organization that supports local youth or through your employer - do it today. Stop worrying about the what-ifs and jump in. Life isnt going to get any less busy or complicated. Make someday today.Playing even a very small part in someone elses growth a nd success is rewarding on so many levels. And its educational. You can rest assured that as much wisdom as you impart, your mentee will teach you more.SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG