“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” — Isaac Newton
Happy Friday, Brew Nation!
Ready to level up? The Champions Brew is your weekly catalyst for personal and professional growth. We’re brewing up powerful insights, actionable strategies, and inspiring stories to inspire, encourage and equip you to unlock your full potential and create a life of uncommon impact. Let’s transform together in 2025!
What’s one thing that can significantly increase your chances of achieving your goals this year? Mentorship. We’ve talked about reflection, goal setting, and habits in recent posts, and this week we’re focusing on the power of having a guide and a map. I’m sharing actionable strategies for finding the right models and mentor to help you make 2025 your breakthrough year.
Recently, I listened to a great episode of the GrowLeader podcast featuring Chris Hodges. Chris shared some invaluable insights about mentors and models that truly resonated with me, and I believe these lessons are essential for anyone looking to grow in their leadership and personal life.
Starting the year afresh with a focus on finding models and best practices to implement is crucial. The idea of embarking on “new beginnings” isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s a powerful framework that can set the tone for transformational growth in your spiritual life, marriage, personal life, and leadership journey.
Here are some key strategies I gathered from the discussion, and these principles apply to ANY goal:
Find Models and Best Practices:
One of the standout points from the podcast was the importance of identifying models that work and adapting them to your context. Chris shared how Saddleback Church’s system influenced his own ministry, illustrating that successful leadership often involves learning from the best. So, make it a priority to see what others are doing, listen to various podcasts, or attend conferences to find effective models you can implement. Identify leaders you admire and study their methods. Remember, success leaves clues and imitation may be the new form of innovation. I am not talking about copy & paste. But, I am talking about making it yours and better!
Establish Mentorship Relationships:
Finding mentors who offer guidance and wisdom is indispensable. However, not all mentorship relationships have to be direct and in person, although those can be very rewarding. Learning from afar can also be powerful. Regardless, seek out mentors in your field. This year, make it a goal to establish relationships with individuals who can offer you significant insights. They can be local leaders, authors, podcasters, or even online influencers whose work you follow closely.
Cultivate Reciprocity:
Mentorship is a two-way street. While seeking guidance is essential, don’t approach mentorship as a purely transactional relationship. Look for opportunities to contribute your own skills, knowledge, and perspectives. Meaningful mentorship thrives on mutual benefit and shared growth. By sharing relevant resources, offering practical assistance with tasks, providing a fresh perspective, connecting them with your network, or simply being a reliable sounding board, you can actively contribute to your mentor’s success and cultivate a reciprocal mentorship relationship.
Express Gratitude:
Always express gratitude. For me, this is often in the form of a handwritten note if I know the person, but even for those mentors you don’t know or haven’t met in person, giving them a rating on their podcast, commenting on their social media posts, or sliding into their DM’s with a quick note of thanks would be memorable.
So, let’s make this year count! It’s not about avoiding stumbling; it’s about how quickly you get back up. If you’ve already hit a snag with your goals, no worries! Use these strategies as your roadmap to get back on track and create lasting change. Remember, excellence doesn’t just happen; it’s built with intention, one purposeful step at a time. Now go out there and make a difference!
Being successful as a leader requires intentional leadership habits. That’s why I developed the Ideal Week template – a tool that helps me identify disciplines and habits needed for success and allocate the necessary time. It guides you through planning your ideal week, ensuring you dedicate time to the activities that bring you closer to your goals.
Want to give it a try? Email me at [email protected] with the words ‘IDEAL WEEK’ in the subject line and I’ll send you a copy of the Ideal Week template complete with a sample to get you started!
- Quote of the week:
“The people closest to me determine my level of success or failure. The better they are, the better I am. And if I want to go to the highest level, I can do it only with the help of other people. We have to take each other higher.” – John C. Maxwell
What You Need to Do:
Call to Action: Feeling inspired to find a model to follow or a mentor? Don’t wait! Take the first step today. Think about one person you admire and whose guidance you value. Reach out to them with a genuine message expressing your interest in learning from their experience. You might be surprised at the response! Need help crafting that message? Let’s connect – email me at [email protected] with ‘MENTORSHIP’ in the subject line, and I’ll share some tips.
It’s an honor to be your trusted “Friday Coffee Guy”. Each week, I’m excited to provide yet another round of curated content that I’ve been reading, listening to, watching, or thinking over. The purpose of the Champions Brew is to inspire, equip and encourage you to become the uncommon leader you were designed to be. I am so grateful for your decision to invest a few moments with me! I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Champions Brew. If you did, I would appreciate it if you would share it with someone who might enjoy it as well and ask them to subscribe! I will make sure they automatically get this email every week.
Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!
P.S. – Are you a podcast fan? Maybe the Uncommon Leader podcast is for you. Are you interested in being a guest on the Uncommon Leader Podcast? Do you have a story to tell? Email me [email protected] and let’s have a chat and set something up!!
