To Be Your Best, Choose Your Heroes and Learn From a Mentor

Model yourself after those who you find to be role models, then learn skills as an apprentice.

learn more about Jeff Olson

By Jeff Olson

Shutterstock

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

One of the great secrets to entrepreneurial success is what I like to call the slight edge -- making small, positive changes consistently on a daily basis for an extended period of time. Sometimes, you need some guidance to make those small changes add up to big success. Mentors are one of the most valuable assets for a successful entrepreneur.

If you're teachable -- and I hope you are, because most success stories begin with a lesson learned -- you'll benefit enormously from working with a mentor, even one you never meet. Let's take a look at how to begin.

Related: The 3 Things You Need to Consider Before Meeting a Mentor

Start by writing down a list of the heroes or successful people in your field that you would like to model yourself after. Choose your heroes carefully though, because a person can be defined by the heroes he or she aspires to emulate. Too often, we make heroes out of those who can't really help us, whose lives are fantasies. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Are my heroes genuine role models?
  • Can I become like them?
  • Are these people doing the kinds of things that I aspire to do?
  • Are they living the kinds of lives that I aspire to live?
  • Can they really help me become who I want to become?

Next, do whatever it takes to learn as much as possible about your heroes. Read inspirational or motivational books they've written. Watch webinars and videos they've posted. Follow them on social media outlets and peruse their blogs.

Learning pure information is a good start, and while adding the street smarts you gain from applying that information can take you far, even that is not enough to go all the way toward the successful achievement of your goals. You need some way to process all that information, experience and integrate it. That way is through an apprenticeship.

Related: How to Successfully Turn (Almost) Anyone into Your Mentor

Throughout human history -- long before books, universities or continuing education programs existed -- there's been one tried and true path for learning a skill, craft, trade or profession: Study with a master. If you want to learn how to do something well, go find someone who has already mastered that skill.

  • If you want to be a great public speaker, spend time with great speakers.
  • If you want to be a success in business, then find a way to spend time in the company of successful businesspeople.
  • If it's important to you to be a terrific parent, the best thing you can do to further that aim is to spend time with men and women who have mastered parenting.

Do whatever you can to associate with a mentor because this can be the quickest and surest path to raising the quality of your life. Emulate your mentors, and let their understanding and mastery of their subject rub off on you. By working with someone who has already achieved mastery in your industry and modeling your behavior based on their experience, you'll take your success to the next level.

It's amazing the impact one person can have on your life. How they see you and what they see in you can influence how you see yourself. When I was younger, my mentor, Clyde Share, believed in me and taught me much of what I write and talk about today. Because I put forth the required effort on a daily basis, I started believing in myself.

By actively working to stay inspired by realistic heroes and working with masters who believe in you, the time and money you invest in your apprenticeship will begin to pay big dividends.

Related: The Power of One Percent: How to Boost Business Three-Fold in a Year

Jeff Olson

Entrepreneur Leadership Network Writer

Founder & CEO of Neora

Jeff Olson is the founder and CEO of Neora and is a leader in the direct sales industry. He's also the author of The Slight Edge, which shares the philosophy he used to achieve success as an entrepreneur and CEO. He aims to help others reach financial freedom and personal excellence.

Related Topics

Editor's Pick

Everyone Wants to Get Close to Their Favorite Artist. Here's the Technology Making It a Reality — But Better.
The Highest-Paid, Highest-Profile People in Every Field Know This Communication Strategy
After Early Rejection From Publishers, This Author Self-Published Her Book and Sold More Than 500,000 Copies. Here's How She Did It.
Having Trouble Speaking Up in Meetings? Try This Strategy.
He Names Brands for Amazon, Meta and Forever 21, and Says This Is the Big Blank Space in the Naming Game
Business News

These Are the Most and Least Affordable Places to Retire in The U.S.

The Northeast and West Coast are the least affordable, while areas in the Mountain State region tend to be ideal for retirees on a budget.

Business Ideas

55 Small Business Ideas To Start Right Now

To start one of these home-based businesses, you don't need a lot of funding -- just energy, passion and the drive to succeed.

Business News

I Live on a Cruise Ship for Half of the Year. Look Inside My 336-Square-Foot Cabin with Wraparound Balcony.

I live on a cruise ship with my husband, who works on it, for six months out of the year. Life at "home" can be tight. Here's what it's really like living on a cruise ship.

Business Solutions

Master Coding for Less Than $2 a Course with This Jam-Packed Bundle

Make coding understandable with this beginner-friendly coding bundle, now just $19.99.

Starting a Business

Ask Marc | Free Business Advice Session with the Co-Founder of Netflix

Get free business advice during our next Ask Marc, live Q&A, on 3/28/23 at 3 p.m. EDT. You don't want to miss it—send in your questions now.

Health & Wellness

5 Essential Steps to Expand Your Vision and Start Living Your Dream Life

It's time to break free from your comfort zone and expand your vision. When you refuse to settle for a mediocre life, you can start building a life you love.