If you have the chance to meet with your mentor, then you should make the most of it. However, it takes some great questions to break through and find answers that will help you the most. So use the following topics and leverage the moment:
Family
Your mentor’s family life says a lot about them. Someone with a happy family life is also dealing with the other areas of their life well. If they are not married, then ask them how their personal life is in more general terms.
Motivation
What makes your mentor tick? Do they get motivated by small things or large things? Ask them how they keep themselves inspired.
What They Would Do In Your Shoes
If your mentor could be in your shoes today, what would they do? How would they respond to your situation? This can give you valuable insight from a third party perspective.
What They Would Change About Their Past Actions
Some people don’t have regrets. But everyone has a moment or two that they would have acted differently if it happened again. Ask them what they wish they could have done differently and take note of the core meaning behind that.
What They Wish They Knew 10 Years Ago
If they could go back 10 years ago, what insight or understanding would change everything? What do they know today that has changed their life? This is often something that will open your eyes to areas of your life you hadn’t thought about.
How They Deal with Failure
How do they deal with times when they didn’t get what they wanted? Are they positive? Are they able to reframe their past experience in a helpful way?
How You Can Help
If you want even more time with your mentor, offer them value. Instead of just trying to take, seek to give back. That way, you can bolster a long term friendship and relationship that goes both ways.
Getting time with your mentor is the one thing that can set you apart from your peers. Most people don’t get the chance to meet with theirs. So make the most of it. Ask great questions and be prepared to put your own dreams and desires on the lines so they can help you get where you want to go.
This article was originally published on AlvinHopeJohnson.net