I am a true believer in the power of mentors. My logic is that while it’s smart to learn from your mistakes, it’s even smarter – and faster – to learn from someone ELSE’S. But what if the folks you want to talk to are out of reach? Maybe they’re huge stars that don’t even know you exist. No problem. As suggested by Paul Williams in a post on this topic, simply put together your own personal iBoard.
What’s an iBoard? It’s an imaginary Board of Directors made up of “business leaders, role models, and personal heroes who inspire and challenge your thinking. The iBoard helps you discover solutions you may not find on your own.”
To assemble your iBoard, think of successful people you admire. Folks that demonstrate admirable traits and attitudes, and that are in life where you’d like to be. Don’t look for perfect people and don’t limit it to music. In addition to musicians, you could choose an author who’s work you like and a business person who’s lifestyle you’d like to emulate. Just like with a real Board of Directors, you’re looking for a group of people who collectively have all the attributes and knowledge that will help you reach your specific goals.
Next, learn everything you can about them through books, articles and the work that they produce. Seek to understand what makes them do the things they do. Gather pictures and place them prominently in a book, or on wall or mirror – anywhere you’ll be reminded that they’re on your iBoard.
As you learn and think about these people, you’ll begin to see their influence in your day to day life. The attitudes and decision making skills of your iBoard members will begin to come to mind when you’re faced with situations and decisions. And these new found skills will be based on the proven success gotten through someone ELSE’S failures instead of your own.
Smart.
