Starting out in the wide world of vocational development, I barely knew my head from my hind end as they say... I pretty much only understood the fact that life was a mad series of unpredictable and sometimes unfortunate events. Partying and dysfunctional relationships seemed like the most fun thing to pursue, so naturally I went that direction. I guess that life is fun for a minute, at least until the depression sets in. Even though I was a bit lost on the spiritual/personal development front, what i did understand was that if I was going to succeed out on the world of business I would need to find a suitable guide...
Being an only child made this a bit easier as I had already found myself hanging with an older crowd in general. But then I started to stumble upon people of remarkable individuality and distinction. No, these people were not rich fiscally speaking. In fact quite the reverse as I met these people while living in the middle of nowhere suburbia outside of Dallas TX. Not exactly the place where you would look to find some form of entrepreneurial/vocational guidance. As unlikely was it may have been, I found a few counter cultural and moralistically inclined mentors who showed me a much more meaningful way of life. Through these mentors I found a way of life that had not been presented to me in family life, or on the other place where kids go to learn everything they don't teach in school; on the good old slave box (TV) of course!
Without these older people in my life, I most likely would have succumb to the fate my many of my perpetually partying peers who never rose above the low moralistic development so pervasive in my small town. Many of these Little Lebowski Urban Underachievers ended up with probation, DWI's, and a perpetual sentence of living at their parents house until their mid 20's. Without suitable mentorship and guidance, many of these poor souls had refused to confront the true meaning of their lives. Preferring instead to drift into the common traps of the "modern society".
Granted I did have many successful friends my own age, but they were too busy succeeding at their academic and other pursuits to teach me anything. Occasionally you would get a friend who presented a good theological trade... I would teach them to talk to women and they would help me fix my car, things of that nature... But those kinds of trades can only take you so far. I was inherently attracted to the sanity and stability presented by my older mentors, as I knew that there were more fulfilling ways to live life than what I had been shown. What I'm trying to say here is that anyone can be a mentor. Because many times being a mentor just means being yourself and keeping it real, helping to steer younger people away from the common traps and "delusionalism" so rampant in society. Anyone can take the time to befriend a youngster and teach them a thing or two about the true meanings of life..
I think I met both of my mentors due to the fact that we all smoked cigarettes and were outside chatting, so I'm not pretending this is some form of holier than thou religious activity. I'm just letting you know that sometimes you will benefit others just by being yourself. Young people learn things from people they look up to, so in that sense you should aspire to be someone that others can look up to as a role model.
So when you're around them, don't act like a partying baffoon and try to be the cool guy. Instead tell them the truth... Thats it... If you know a skill set, teach them that, if you know philosophy teach them that, if you know how to live simply and frugally teach them that. Then teach them the reason behind why you learned those things and why you live your life the way you do. Without some form of mentorship these same youngsters will end up watching TV and learning how to be a total narcissists from those (expletive deleted) idiots pervading our whore media.. Because if you haven't noticed... Most people are really terrible parents in America. Hell, people are medicating their kids with drugs so they will be more docile and behave... Talk about a bunch of psychos.... Kids are left to raise themselves on TV and junk food... Ugh...
What I did find from mentorship was a piece of thread that I have kept pulling throughout my young adult life. I have pulled long enough to disrobe reality and get a good look at some of the naked truths. For this I am eternally grateful, as the truth of my life eventually lifted my depression, setting me on a course for a meaningful and fulfilling life.
I wrote my newest book "Startup Fever, How Crowdfunding Will Rebuild the American Dream" in an attempt to pay back some of my mentors of the past, by passing on the parts of them, that helped to change me...
Which you can purchase here http://tinyurl.com/neff8j8 in either Ebook, or Print...
Until next time.... Have yourself a really nice cup of coffee, I bet you that you will finish that cup feeling right as rain!
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Have a great day and enjoy your life!
Best,
Austin Muhs