“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” (Proverbs 19:20)
Obviously, owning a business takes a lot of time and hard work. However, there are numerous rewards in bringing an idea to fruition, seeing your dream become reality, and working with people who share your vision. Time and hard work are necessary for having a successful business. Worry and stress, however, don’t need to be.
God has provided advice on coping with both practical day-to-day issues and issues such as complex decision-making, by advising us to have a mentor. Whether you are on the start on your career path or have worked for many years, there is tremendous spiritual and practical wisdom in having a mentor.
Early in my business, I was fortunate to have a colleague who also owned a clinic. She gave valuable advice. She had been where I was starting. This also grew into a group of other business owners, and we mentored each other. We shared practical advice but also encouraged and supported each other. I have continued to keep in contact with my original mentor.
If you are just venturing into entrepreneurship, a new job, or a new responsibility, it is difficult to understand the impact the choices you make now will have in the future. However, someone who has been where you are can provide valuable advice and wisdom. A recent statistic indicated 68% of churched young adults identified the opportunity to receive advice from people with similar life experiences as very important.
Even if you have been working for many years, you may be at a stage where there are many decisions to be made and opportunities to decide between. A mentor can provide insight into what your decisions may mean to you and/or your family.
There are many benefits to having a mentor, such as having someone who:
You can discuss your present practices with.
You can develop a professional/peer relationship with.
You can learn from them because of their experiences (both successes and failures).
You can gain more detailed industry knowledge and personal contacts.
You can discuss ideas with them before implementing them.
Can provide you with a different perspective and understanding of your workplace.
Can hold you accountable.
This week, take time to consider the following questions.
Do you have a mentor with whom you can discuss business issues with and/or receive advice from? This is not your lawyer or accountant but someone whose advice you can seek on everyday work issues.
If you do not yet have a mentor, is there any particular reason why? Is this something which has not crossed your mind, or you did not think would be relevant or of value to you?
Looking back, can you see instances where it would have been helpful to receive input from someone who has dealt with a similar issue you were struggling with?
What kind of qualities are you looking for in a mentor? Write down at least 5 things you feel would be necessary.
Does someone come to mind who may be a mentor to you? One of the most essential qualities of a mentor is they love the Lord and spend a lot of time with Him. Ask God for wisdom to show you the person who can have this important role with you.
Taking This to God in Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word which gives me direction and confidence. You have said it is wise to listen to advice and accept discipline. Sometimes, I find it difficult to make decisions. Having a mentor to discuss issues with, and receive wise counsel from, would assist me in making decisions which honor You and bless others. Would You led me to the right mentor for me in this season? In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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