WISDOM

“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around.  But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.” – Mark Twain

WISDOM
By Pierre Mouchette | Real Property Experts LLC

Wisdom is the byproduct of experience.  Experience is the product of many choices, mistakes, victories, and circumstances.  In life, we have a choice, we can learn from our own mistakes, or we can learn from the mistakes of others.  The wise person will seek to gain wisdom to avoid unnecessary heartaches, errors, and bad choices.

For young people - one of the best ways to gain wisdom is to identify and develop a relationship with an older mentor.

Why an older mentor?
A mentor can see patterns of behavior and trends in your life.  Older mentors benefit younger mentees because they have more experiences, insights, and the ability to give a glimpse of yourself in the future.  They can help you think clearly about the decisions you will need to make and advise you on navigating them wisely and successfully.
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Before you select a mentor:

• Clarify Your Arrangement - when selecting a mentor, be clear about expectations.
  • What will the mentor provide?
  • How often will you meet?
  • What are the areas in which you want to grow?
• You are Responsible - if you need a mentor, it is essential that you develop the relationship to get what you need from a mentor.  You need to figure them out, not the other way around.
• Listen First - to understand before seeking to be understood.  Learn by listening and then asking.
• Invite and Accept Criticism - criticism hurts, but it is sometimes necessary to receive it to grow.  By inviting a trusted mentor to give you honest feedback, you will become aware of your shortcomings faster so that you can adapt and grow quicker.

 
Whether you are a mentor or a mentee, you have a unique opportunity to give and receive.  You can use all that you have learned to make a difference!