Mentors

What makes a good mentor? 

I've been pondering this question for most of my life. Even as a child, I knew that I wanted to help others, and mentor others. As I've grown up and learned from different people in my life, I've realized there are certain qualities they all shared.

*Patience:

If  any of you know me, I am NOT patient. I am working on it, but patience has always been something that I've struggled with. I can be quick to anger and judge, but I really have been trying to work on taking a step back before I let my emotions get the best of me. Everyone that I've learned from that's stood out has had incredible patience.

*Humility:

The most memorable people do things for others, not for the glory and recognition they will receive. When you're more humble while teaching, you're also more likely to be patient. I've learned that as I've mentored others.

*Accountability:

I really like when people make me accountable. It pushes me. It doesn't let me slack. I will admit that I'm a procrastinator, and I forget things easily, but when I know that I have someone who's counting on me, I will work harder. 

*Education/Experience: 

You can't expect to help others if you yourself haven't been completely engulfed in a subject. I don't claim to be perfect in this area, but I'm always looking for ways to further my knowledge on the fitness and health industry.

Of course you could add more to this list, but these 4 are common factors in each of my mentors. 

As I've taught dance, religion, fitness, etc, I've learned that you have to be all of the things listed in order to really make a difference. 

Do you agree with me? What do you think makes a good mentor?