7 Lessons From My Mentor

I’m going to get a little personal here.

I usually try to keep it pretty upbeat and positive on my blog, but I am going to be totally honest.

I’m heartbroken.

I recently lost my mentor, a truly beautiful and brilliant person inside and out. The world is a little darker because she is no longer here.

The loss is deep for so many who knew and loved her. She was incredible, innovative, and inspirational. Her mark on the world changed a lot of people, including myself.

As I, and so many like me, try to process the unimaginable, I’ve started thinking about the countless lessons she taught me, whether she knew it or not.

It would be ignorant to keep these lessons to myself; what good does it do to keep what isn’t yours?

These lessons are not just for me; they’re for you, too.

{ONE} Be kind

Everyone is going through something, whether they tell you or not. Be kind, you never know what’s happening underneath.

{TWO} You are your own advocate

Confidence is key. You can do it. You can pitch that crazy idea, go the extra mile, create that special project. Advocate for yourself and don’t put yourself down…You’re worth more than that and you can do more than you think.

{THREE} Ask “Why?” and “What if?”

Think big. Ask questions, learn always. Let information help you grow. Never stop being curious. Ever.

{FOUR} Dream bigger

Dream it and do it. Those are words from Walt Disney himself, and my mentor embodied this. Just because it’s a dream doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Make them realities. Dream something crazy and then do it bigger. What do you have to lose?

{FIVE} Try the impossible

People are going to tell you no and that it can’t be done. Try. What’s the worst that can happen? You never know unless you dare to dream bigger and do things. It always seems impossible until it’s done.

{SIX} Believe in others

There is no “I” in team. No one gets to where they are by themselves. It takes a village. Believe in others and give them the encouragement they deserve and need. One of the best things my mentor taught me is the value of giving back. Thank people who helped you and do the same for others. Be kind, the world already has plenty of critics.

{SEVEN} Work hard, stay humble

It is absolutely incredible how much my mentor accomplished in her life. She worked insanely hard and hardly ever talked about her accomplishments, achievements, and successes. She was humble and always grateful. No matter how much you achieve, never let it get to your head. Work hard and stay humble.