I have been on both sides of this spectrum–I have been a mentor for more than one and I have had (and still have) many friends and colleagues who constantly give me the gift of mentoring. For me, mentoring is about helping someone discover his or her gift. Almost 30 years ago, my good friend and interior designer Vicente Wolf saw something in me that I could not see.
At the time I had very little self-esteem and was in desperate need of a job. My dear friend suggested that I give floral arrangements a chance. My first reaction was to say, “You have got to be joking.” However, because of not having many other skills or choices, I gave it a try. As they say, the rest is history.
For this week’s To Do list, I’d like us to think about giving back to a friend, family member, colleague or spouse. Here are some suggestions for what we can do to help them:
- A word of encouragement can be very powerful. For example, simply saying something like, “I have noticed that you have an incredible voice. Have you ever thought of being a singer?” could lead to amazing things.
- Buy a book that would encourage your friends or family members to explore their skills. (My friend Vicente gave me a floral book by the amazing Renny Reynolds, the event designer from all the over-the-top parties of Studio 54 in 1980.)
- Suggest they visit websites that would encourage or inspire them to explore their gifts.
- Give a gift subscription of a magazine in their field (or a field they want to jump into) to inspire them.
The greatest thing you can give someone is the wonderful gift of discovery. Then, leave the rest up to them. Now tell me, who was the one person who gave you that push to discover your gift? And who have you helped to discover theirs?
PREVIOUS
George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Gayle O'Donnell
July 12, 2010
That person is you! Every time I feel unsure of what I’m doing I hear your quote in my head, “Gayle, you can’t give up!” That has kept me going on many a day recently. And I will continue to share the gift of encouragement with others. Thank you for today’s post!
kisha
July 13, 2010
A former co-worker encouraged me to start doing events about 2 months ago. It was scary at first, but it’s given me a boost to continue to tell others to follow their dreams.. After all, we’ll only live once! Diane Sawyer said once that if what you do on the outside matches who you are on the inside, you’ll have rocket fuel for a lifetime of happiness in your field. So true! Thanks for this post.
Susan
July 13, 2010
My husband of 1 1/2 years. After I designed and decorated our reception he booked me to design a collegues daughter’s wedding that was being held 3 weeks later! Talk about flying by the seat of your pants! I had let my self-esteem be destroyed by a cancer diagnosis in 2004 but he believed in me enough to know I needed the push.
I have always received great pleasure in encouraging others to follow their passion. Thank you John for pushing me to explore my own. As for a mentor, I have not had the luxury of having worked with one yet but I am inspired daily by people like yourself.
Dawn
July 14, 2010
I have always enjoyed decorating and creating for events at home and on my job, of which I retired after 35 years. My Guardian Angel just convinced me on 07/14/2010 to use my creative talents to become a millionaire.She said get started… create a plan to make some money, “You can be a millionaire with the talents that you possess. Just go for it, I’ll be there to help you along the way.” She introduced me to an article in Jet Magazine about Preston Bailey. I visited his website.I am totally impressed and completely motivated… Can’t wait to meet Mr.Bailey!!
Jenny Yi
July 15, 2010
I have discovered my dream… to become an event planner. But I moved half way across the world to work to save up so that I could start pursuing my passion without worrying about making rent =P So instead of the person who has helped me discover my dreams, I’d like to say that you are the one who keeps me motivated and inspired. I’m even going to take your online course here in Korea so that I don’t waste anytime in achieving my dream
Software Camila
October 29, 2010
Hi, Dear blogger!
My name is Emily from Greece and I am Computer Programmer.
You wrote a good issue, I am added it to my Fire Fox rss reader.
piece of your information interesting for my website guests.
I want add your issue to my site.
Can i to do that, if I add a link to your excellent website ?
I found your excellent text in the altavista ..
Looks like your successful site have very many thousands friends at your skillful weblog now, finest success for every writer.
Navjot
November 10, 2010
Your honesty is what connects to my soul. I really feel that mentoring is so important in everyone’s life. Many a time, due to low self esteem that develops when you are lost due to the circumstances can be reversed by having someone who believes in you.
I feel honored to have mentors who are able to touch my soul just like you do. Today, I value the worth of each word being said around me. I also believe that one mentor is sitting inside me who paves my path and never let me down no matter what.
Thanks for being so optimistic and realistic in your approach.
frances huguet
January 26, 2011
I worked as a special educator and my students encouraged me to celebrate all the seasons,.festive holidays and all our skills as making an native american headdress or a mothers day card .Today ,being a housewife i have tired to take some event planning courses and live every day celebrating color,and joy!
Ruchi oswal
January 17, 2012
I am so impressed with your energy, enthusiasm, and encouraging words for whosoever you come in contact with. I was lucky enough to witness it,first hand at the wedding symposium.
What is the secret? Wish I could be half as energetic as you.
Ruchi oswal
Celebrations by Ruchi.