Age Does Not Matter

Age does not matter, not in the ways that you think.

In my younger years, I had very few people who I would consider to be a mentor. I had people who were there during a few defining moments. They were encouraging and uplifting, at the right time. But on a consistent basis, I did not have many mentors until I was in thirties and forties. I truly understood the value of these relationships. I am a mentor and strive to be what I know I would have appreciated back in the day and of course whatever my mentees need. Almost every opportunity is a foundation for learning and building relationships. A mentorship is a two-way learning experience and benefit.

I feel blessed to have people that I consider a mentor of various ages, much younger and older than I am, different ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, education levels and different genders. It is invaluable. Some make the mistake of searching out people who look, think and act like them. You will acquire someone who understands and can relate to you. You do need that on a certain level. But that is would and should be just one type of mentor for you. You must be open to those outside of what you are used to and comfortable with. That leads to growth. That leads to enlightenment.

There are young people who I am very proud of and admire for their strength, intelligence, work ethic, fearlessness and resiliency. These young people have conquered many odds to complete a degree or trade school program, they have their own businesses or are living successful lives in their jobs and are doing amazing jobs as a parent or spouse. Everyone has their own idea of what success is. That is something you can learn from. I have several younger mentors. In addition, as an older person, the younger generation is invaluable for that which I don’t get, as far as what is in the minds of young people and technology or just a completely different philosophy. It is invaluable to me as a parent of 20-something year old, young man. In business I have seen success and a drive, in young adults who have figured some things out and are willing to help others their age and those old enough to be their parents. It is commendable.

I also have mentors who are my age and old enough to be my parent or grandparent. You cannot beat the education you receive from experience. There are exciting stories woven within even the briefest conversations. Life lessons of missteps and trials will surely assist anyone. It is inspiring. Every business owner or person who has worked their way up in a company does not hold a college degree. Experience, personality and work ethic, good decisions and learning from bad ones, and creativity got them there. They understood positioning and taking advantage of every opportunity big and small. It is never too late.

There is also a skill. I learned long ago that it does not always go well to ask for someone to be a mentor. It may be flattering for some but often people feel overwhelmed about what that means and shy away. It may seem extremely time consuming. Maybe they are not in a position, to truly put in the effort due to their own work and family demands. It has been more successful when relationships naturally grow into the mentor-mentee relationship. However, there are times when it is appropriate to ask and be strategic about it and that is understood. There are plenty of people in positions you may wish to be in or have a business you wish to start, who are looking to share their information and resources with you, in order to give back. They will share more than you asked. They want to give. You will know by sincerely getting to know them.

I am mentor in formal programs but more often then not, I am a mentor informally. I build relationships. I connect other people. I value every person that I encounter. I see potential in the young and old and a wealth of heart and knowledge. I wish to give what I can, without worry of what I may or may not receive. It would be so much greater if people truly appreciated and respected each other. We could solve so many of our social problems, build so much more in this world and something unbreakable by working together, rather then apart or against each other.