– Waking up at 4 am?
– Working through your lunch break?
– Prioritizing your to-do list?
While we all know there’s not just one way to get to the top, our favorite secret to success at work is an easy and effective one.
Find a mentor.
We’re not talking about a lunch buddy who you can vent to about your boss, we’re talking about a real mentor.
Think of your mentor as someone you look up to who you know will always steer you in the right direction. The Muse actually recommends having more than one type of mentor.
They recommend connecting with “You in One Year,” a “Five-Year Guide,” and “Your Career Planner” who all help with different aspects of your career readiness.
One reason to connect with a strong mentor is because they can inspire you, and our friends at Forbes agree. Seeing someone who has reached some of your professional or personal goals is a little reminder that they are reachable.
A great mentor can give you the extra boost you need to kick things into high gear at work. They’re often leaders themselves who can connect you to successful people in your field.
Think about it: When you screwed up a major project, who would you call first for advice? If you’re torn on a tough decision, whose feedback do you trust?
Mentors are often a great sounding board for both professional and personal decisions, and they don’t always have to be someone you work with. Many professionals find their best mentors to be former colleagues who know them and their work ethic, but aren’t as closely tied to their career decisions.
Choosing the right mentor can be tough, but there’s nothing wrong with having more than one! We recommend having mentors in a few different areas, so you get diverse opinions and advice.
