As you pursue your dream, it’s a good idea to find a mentor. Often, the best place to look for one is right in front of you! Is there an individual you admire and respect who has always impressed you with his/her insight? It could be your boss’s boss or an individual with professional experience or just someone you admire who has achieved a similar goal. Check within your network of friends to see if there’s anyone who might fit the bill.
Talking to others in your field of interest is a great way to find out whether your dream is right for you. Set up an informational interview with someone you think you can learn from and ask them how they found success. Here are some questions you can ask:
What sparked your initial interest in this field?
What did you do to achieve this goal?
What’s the most fascinating thing you’ve ever seen or accomplished?
Who are your role models?
What obstacles did you encounter along the way?
Looking back, was there anything you would have done differently?
Seek information from as many people as possible when you’re curious about how to live your dream, and don’t feel like you need to stick to people you know. Find “shadow mentors” whose lives you can follow, like the inspirational Randy Pausch or a famous business person like Bill Gates.
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