Mentor, Guide, Friend: The Support I Didn’t Know I Needed

Hey, so a couple of days back, I was talking to a friend of mine and was mentioning to her about the ups and downs of my life and how, somehow, I ended up where I am today. What struck me in that conversation was how much influence that one person had on this journey — my then manager. I owe a lot of where I am today to his guidance, support, and mentorship. (while I could have named him, but it’s okay, for those who know me, for sure know him too)

I still remember my first day at my office, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. I had no idea what to expect. Just as I was trying to collect myself, I saw him coming with a smile and two bottles of coconut water in hand. “Hey Priyansh, have one!” he said, passing me a bottle. “Since it’s your first day, let me introduce you to the team. You can start catching up with them and get some briefs about the product and what the team does on a day-to-day basis.” Now, this might seem like something any manager would do, right? A typical first-day routine. But little did I know what place this person was going to have in my life — a true game changer.

At the time, I wasn’t just lacking professional experience — I was also struggling with confidence. Having spent years preparing for competitive exams and facing multiple failures, my self-esteem had taken a beating. Each failed attempt took away a portion of my belief in myself, and it was hard to bounce back. (check out more on this: here)

But within just a month of working with him, I felt a noticeable shift in my attitude. Yes, getting salary helped (who doesn’t love paycheque?), but that wasn’t the main reason. It was the way he encouraged me, pushed me to take on challenges I would’ve shied away from before, and constantly reminded me of my potential. Moreover, he wasn’t just managing me; he was mentoring me. He took the time to understand my strengths and weaknesses, and rather than pointing them out, he helped me work through them. I still remember one particular instance — there was a task I had no clue how to handle, and I was nervous about messing it up. Instead of assigning it to someone else, he sat me down and said, “I know you haven’t done this before, but that’s exactly why you should. You’ll learn, and I’m here if you need me, don’t worry.” That level of trust was something I hadn’t experienced before, and it changed the way I approached not just my work, but myself. A Support System, Not Just a mentor — Whether it was personal setbacks or professional roadblocks, I always found him in my corner. He encouraged me to view challenges as opportunities for growth.

All in all it wasn’t just the technical skills or the industry knowledge that I gained under his mentorship. What truly mattered was the confidence I slowly started building within myself. Confidence in my abilities, my decision-making, and, most importantly, in facing uncertainties head-on.

Woah, that might be a bit too much of personal stuff , but as I mentioned my journey with my manager, it’s clear how impactful having a mentor can be. And here’s the thing — your mentor doesn’t necesarily have to be your manager. It could be anyone — your parents, a sibling, a friend, a teacher, or even someone you connect with professionally. The key is finding someone who sees potential in you, who believes in your growth, and who helps guide your thought process.

I realized that while technical skills can be learned, it’s the inner strength and mindset that mentors help shape. They challenge us to think differently, face our fears, and push beyond our limits. Having a mentor isn’t just about professional growth — it’s about personal development, too.

Importance of Mentorship

Mentors don’t necessarily give you all the answers. Instead, they help you find them yourself. And while we can look into multiple aspects, here are a few reasons why having a mentor can be a game changer in life:

1. Guidance Through Uncertainty: We all face moments when we’re unsure of the next step, both in our careers and in life. A mentor helps clear that fog, offering perspectives we may not have considered. They don’t just tell you what to do — they guide you to think, analyse and make decisions.
2. Boosting Confidence: Like in my case, I lacked confidence when I started. A mentor sees your strengths even when you don’t. They help you build faith in your abilities, pushing you to take risks and win challenges.
3. Holding You Accountable: A good mentor holds you accountable. They remind you of your goals, check in on your progress, and give you that necessary push when you’re in need. Having someone to answer to can keep you on track, ensuring you don’t lose sight of your aspirations.
4. Offering New Perspectives: Sometimes we get stuck in our own ways of thinking. A mentor offers fresh viewpoints, often bringing a level of objectivity we might lack when evaluating ourselves.
5. Encouraging Lifelong Learning: Mentorship isn’t about knowing it all — it’s about continuous learning. A mentor develops a curiosity, reminding you that it’s okay not to know everything, as long as you’re open to learning.

Now, that you know why you need to have a guiding light in your life let’s see how you can find one. The right mentor doesn’t mean you need to look for someone with a big title or a senior position. A mentor could be anyone who challenges and inspires you to be a better version of yourself. Here’s how you can find that person:

1. Look for Someone Who Understands You and your situation.
2. Shows Genuine Interest in Your Growth
3. Be Open to Different Perspectives

To wrap it up, once, when you have a mentor, be clear about what you want to achieve, ask for their advice, and always thank them for their help. Take the lead when you need guidance, and remember, growth takes time — don’t expect quick fixes. You might even have more than one mentor, and that’s totally fine!

Stay involved, use what you learn, and enjoy the journey. With the right support, it can really make a big difference.