Episode 92: Why Everyone Needs a Mentor

In this episode of Wellness in Every Season, we’re diving into the incredible power of mentorship and why it’s essential for personal growth and success. Whether you’re a parent, professional, or simply on a path of self-discovery, having a mentor provides wisdom, support, and encouragement that can help you thrive in every area of life. I’ll be sharing my own experiences with mentors who have guided me through transformative changes in wellness, parenting, and career, and how their support helped me overcome obstacles I couldn’t see alone.

Mentorship isn’t just about guidance; it’s about building connections that remind us of our strengths, hold us accountable, and inspire us to step confidently into new possibilities. We’ll explore how mentors—whether formal or informal, close friends or experienced professionals—illuminate our paths with insights and compassion. Plus, this episode’s mindfulness practice will help you visualize the kind of support you need, inviting you to welcome the guidance that’s right for you.

If you’re seeking a mentor or curious about the impact this kind of guidance could have in your life, consider booking a free wellness consultation with me at https://www.wellnessineveryseason.com/challenge-page/free-wellness-consult. Let’s connect and discover how mentorship can make a lasting impact on your journey.

One last thing to cover the show legally. I am a certified life coach giving general advice. So think of this more like a self-help book. This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. I am not a licensed therapist. So this podcast shouldn't be taken as a replacement for professional guidance from my doctor therapist. Or any other qualified expert? If you want personal one-on-one coaching for my certified coach. Go to my website, wellness and every season.com. 

For more wellness tips and exclusive content, join my newsletter! Sign up now at wellness-in-every-season.ck.page and receive a free 5-day guide called "Awaken and Unwind: 5 Days to Mastering Moms Life's Mornings and Evenings." Plus, you'll get free guides, special offers on my programs, practical tips, personal stories, and so much more. Don't miss out on these valuable resources designed to help you thrive as a mom and as an individual. Join today and start your journey to wellness in every season!

Transcript

Episode 92: Why Everyone Needs a Mentor

Intro: 

This is Episode 90

Welcome to Wellness in Every Season, the podcast where we explore the rich tapestry of wellness in all its forms. I'm your host, Autumn Carter, a certified life coach turned wellness coach as well as a certified parenting coach dedicated to empowering others to rediscover their identity in their current season of life.

My goal is to help you thrive both as an individual and as a parent.

[Music]

EPISODE INTRO

Welcome to Episode 92 of Wellness in Every Season, titled "Why Everyone Needs a Mentor." I’m so glad you’re here. Today’s episode dives into the transformative power of mentorship—something that has profoundly shaped my life and my work. A mentor offers guidance, support, and the kind of wisdom that can be hard to find alone. What is most beneficial is that they have usually walked at least some of the path that you are currently on, so they can give you deeper insight. But I am getting ahead of myself, I’ll share why I believe mentorship is essential for personal and professional growth and discuss how finding the right mentor can impact every area of your life. Let’s get into it.

Key point #1: 

Guidance from someone who has walked a similar path brings a unique depth of wisdom that’s difficult to cultivate on our own. Those who support us, offering their experience and insights, help us expand our vision and approach challenges with a clearer understanding. When we connect with someone who has navigated similar territory, they illuminate our road ahead, pointing out both obstacles and opportunities, showing us not only that growth is possible but that it can be pursued with greater ease and confidence.

This kind of support takes many forms, depending on our current stage in life and the specific struggles we face. Some guides walk with us formally, such as a coach or teacher, offering structured advice and constructive feedback over time. But the people who shape us don’t always have to fit into a formal mold; they can be friends, family members, colleagues, or even public figures whose words and stories inspire us. What connects them all is that they’ve walked a portion of the path we’re now on. They know, often from personal experience, where we’re coming from, what we may be fearing, and can both validate our feelings and challenge us to step beyond them. Their knowledge provides a roadmap that only experience can craft.

Consider the value of different kinds of guides. A career advisor, for example, may have once been in the very position you’re in now, working through similar challenges, making mistakes, and discovering what does and doesn’t work. When they share stories of early missteps or unexpected triumphs, they’re gifting us their hindsight—saving us time and energy while empowering us to take our own unique steps forward. Professional mentors understand the technicalities, the politics, and the persistence needed in ways that textbooks or trainings often can’t convey.

Then there’s the personal ally, the friend or family member who has perhaps watched you grow, offering a different kind of support for more private challenges. This person might not give career advice, but they are there to remind you of your essence, grounding you and holding space for the challenges you may not feel comfortable discussing with others. They offer a particular kind of wisdom—the type that comes from knowing your strengths, quirks, and inner battles. They’re the ones who encourage gentleness with yourself, remind you to rest, and prompt you to prioritize your wellness.

We also find inspiration through authors, speakers, and artists who share their lived experiences and hard-won wisdom. These figures may never meet us personally, but their words resonate deeply, making us feel less alone. Think of an author who has overcome immense obstacles to tell their story or a speaker who captures a struggle we’ve felt but could never articulate. Through their journeys, we’re introduced to new perspectives and often find our own inner courage.

The beauty of these supportive relationships lies in their variety, meeting us wherever we are in our journey. Every person who supports us, no matter their style or background, has something in common: they’ve faced similar storms and know not only how it feels but also how to find strength and clarity amid challenges. This shared experience creates a connection more profound than simple advice; it’s encouragement rooted in empathy and understanding. They remind us, simply by showing up and sharing their journey, that we, too, can find our way forward.

So, whether you’re navigating the path of parenting, wellness, or a new career, remember that a guiding presence—formal or informal—can be a powerful ally. Their wisdom becomes part of our inner landscape, fortifying our resilience and encouraging us to keep going, no matter what lies ahead.

Key point #2: 

Mentors help us break out of our comfort zones, encouraging us to view life through a broader, more expansive lens. They challenge the assumptions we take for granted and gently push us to explore new ways of thinking. In my own life, several mentors have guided me toward transformative insights and changes, each of them bringing something unique, helping me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

One mentor, for instance, encouraged me to return to therapy when past trauma started surfacing in our coaching sessions. She recognized patterns and emotional barriers I hadn’t fully processed, and her gentle but firm suggestion made me realize that some healing needed deeper attention. Therapy became a space where I could work through these layers, bringing more clarity, peace, and strength back into my life and, ultimately, into my coaching. Her encouragement showed me that mentorship isn’t always about pushing forward relentlessly; sometimes, it’s about pausing to address what’s holding us back. This experience made me appreciate how a mentor can guide us toward more holistic growth.

Another mentor helped me approach parenting from an entirely new perspective. She encouraged me to see each family member’s unique strengths and challenges instead of focusing solely on behaviors or outcomes. This shift was profound—no longer was I aiming for a “one-size-fits-all” method. Instead, I began to understand my children as individuals with their own strengths and areas for growth. By learning to celebrate these differences, I found new ways to guide each child, creating a home environment that honors who they are while helping them grow. Her advice has had a lasting impact, not just on my parenting but on how I view relationships. She taught me to meet people where they are and to support them in ways that respect their individuality.

A married couple played an unexpected yet pivotal role in my journey toward finding love. They helped me view dating differently, encouraging me to release rigid expectations and to approach each interaction with curiosity and openness. Their guidance allowed me to enjoy the dating journey rather than fixating on finding the “perfect” partner. They were the first people I introduced to my now-husband when we started dating, and I’ll always remember their excitement and approval, which gave me greater confidence in the relationship. Their influence didn’t just shape how I approached dating; it reinforced the value of having trusted guides who believe in our potential for love and happiness. They showed me how mentorship can extend into our personal lives, shaping the way we pursue and nurture meaningful connections.

Each of these mentors brought a distinct perspective, challenged my assumptions, and ultimately guided me to make pivotal changes. They remind me that mentorship isn’t just about expertise; it’s about deep understanding, empathy, and the ability to see potential in someone else that they may not see in themselves. The right mentor doesn’t simply give advice; they listen, they understand, and they offer support tailored to where we are in our journey.

Finding a mentor who resonates on this level can be a transformative experience. If you’re seeking this kind of guidance, consider those in your life who inspire or support you, and reach out to those who have walked a similar path. These connections, whether formal or informal, can shape us in ways that last a lifetime, encouraging us to grow beyond our own expectations and to see life from a broader, richer perspective.

[Music]

Segment: Mindfulness Practice:

For this mindfulness practice, let’s create a safe and gentle space to examine any struggles you may be carrying and open yourself to the idea of receiving support. Begin by settling into a comfortable position, allowing your shoulders to relax and your hands to rest easily. Close your eyes if that feels right, and take a slow, deep breath, feeling your chest expand and soften with each inhale, then gently release with each exhale.

As you breathe, bring your awareness to one area in your life where you may be feeling stuck or challenged—a place that perhaps feels heavy or uncertain. Let this struggle come to mind naturally, without judgment, and just notice any feelings, emotions, or thoughts that arise as you hold space for it. Recognize that this place of difficulty doesn’t need to be faced alone. As you continue breathing, allow each inhale to bring in a gentle sense of openness, and with every exhale, imagine releasing any hesitation or pride that may be quietly holding you back from seeking help.

Now, as you hold this struggle in your mind, gently invite the thought of someone who could provide support or insight in this area. Imagine what qualities this person might possess. Do they have wisdom, experience, compassion, or perhaps simply the ability to listen and understand without judgment? Allow yourself to let this vision unfold slowly, creating space for the qualities that feel right to come forward. Notice if any specific person comes to mind—someone within your circle, a friend, a family member, or perhaps someone you haven’t yet reached out to.

Breathe into this possibility with gentleness. Perhaps this person might offer a perspective that sheds light on something hidden, helping you see things with new clarity. Often, there are mentors and guides waiting quietly in our lives, ready to support us, yet we may overlook them, especially if they don’t fit the typical image of a “mentor.” Let yourself release any expectations about what this support should look like. Instead, open your heart to the possibility of reaching out, even if it feels vulnerable or unfamiliar.

Take a moment to notice any pride, hesitation, or lingering discomfort. Remind yourself that the help you need may not always appear in the form you expect. Sometimes, true guidance comes from surprising places, from people who encourage us to grow gently beyond our comfort zones.

With each breath, invite a feeling of openness and humility to deepen within you. Imagine yourself ready to receive, allowing space for someone to step into your life as a source of wisdom, support, or inspiration. Envision the moment of reaching out to this person, or simply being open to their presence, ready to listen and take in whatever insights or encouragement they may offer.

Take a few more gentle breaths here, letting go of any remaining resistance, knowing it’s okay to accept help and guidance. Imagine yourself surrounded by a quiet willingness to open up, to ask for help, and to trust in the potential support of those who may guide you through this challenge. As you bring this practice to a close, carry with you a renewed sense of receptivity and the knowledge that you don’t have to face your journey alone. Open yourself to the mentors who may cross your path, helping you move forward with clarity, strength, and compassion for yourself.

[Music]

Key point #3: 

Mentorship is a transformative relationship that encourages us not only to break beyond our comfort zones but also to hold ourselves accountable, balancing personal growth with practical action. The right mentor will help us challenge limiting beliefs and explore new parts of ourselves, often illuminating areas of opportunity we hadn’t seen alone. Many of us carry assumptions and routines we may not realize are holding us back—until a mentor gently encourages us to reexamine them. This “gentle push” can open doors to growth that not only inspire creativity and innovation but also bring a sense of renewal and purpose.

As a wellness mentor, parenting advocate, and business coach, I’ve had the privilege of guiding others through this process of self-discovery, accountability, and transformation. One of my mentors once inspired me to approach my coaching practice with fresh eyes, ultimately leading to new depths of creativity and innovation in my work. By encouraging me to stretch beyond comfortable routines, this mentor helped me unlock perspectives I hadn’t yet explored. It’s this very journey—of challenging assumptions and expanding horizons—that I encourage in my clients, whether they’re navigating the complexities of parenthood, building their dream business, or seeking a balanced approach to wellness. Together, we work to develop actionable steps that honor each person’s unique strengths and goals.

Mentorship also brings invaluable accountability, which is essential when we’re striving toward meaningful change. Knowing someone is genuinely invested in our journey helps us stay committed, especially when things become challenging. A mentor’s role is often that of a steady and compassionate reminder to keep moving forward, staying aligned with what matters most. In my own journey, having mentors who’ve helped me stay focused on both my personal wellness and professional growth has been invaluable, and I strive to provide this same steady encouragement in my work with others. 

Reflecting on this, consider who in your life can serve as both a guide and an accountability partner. Who can help you not only step beyond your comfort zones but also stay grounded and focused on your long-term vision? Sometimes, the mentor you need isn’t the obvious choice or the person who immediately feels like a perfect fit. They may be the one who helps you see things differently, challenging assumptions and offering insights that stretch your understanding. In this way, a mentor doesn’t simply echo back our own beliefs but helps us view challenges and goals through a more expansive lens.

Through this combination of expanded perspectives and accountability, mentorship provides a path forward that’s not only insightful but also deeply practical. My role as a wellness advocate, parenting mentor, and business coach is to help clients build lives that are aligned with their values and aspirations, offering a balanced approach that respects their individual journeys. Together, we explore both the possibilities and the practical steps that help move them steadily toward their goals, blending purpose with action, vision with accountability. 

Whoever you invite to serve as your mentor, remember that the right guide brings both a broadening of horizons and steady support, helping you grow beyond limitations and stay true to your path. Through their guidance, you are invited to journey forward with clarity, resilience, and purpose, ready to embrace the full potential of your life and work.

[Music]

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[Music]

Key point #5

Welcome back! I hope you found that moment refreshing. Before we dive into our next key point, I want to take a quick moment to say that the best way you can support me and this podcast is by purchasing one of my programs, signing up for one-on-one coaching, and/ or sharing this show with others. Your support allows me to continue creating valuable content that empowers each of us to live more fully and embrace wellness in every season of life. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

As we work with mentors and embrace guidance, cultivating presence becomes essential. Being fully present allows us to receive the insights offered with an open heart and clear mind. Mentorship often requires patience; growth isn’t always immediate, and progress can come in gentle, unexpected ways. But by staying grounded in each moment, we open ourselves to all that mentorship has to offer, even if the lessons arrive gradually.

Mentorship teaches us that true growth is a process, unfolding in its own time. By focusing on each step and trusting in the journey, we learn to let go of the rush to reach the finish line. This patient presence also helps us listen more deeply—to our mentors, to ourselves, and to the quiet wisdom that can often be overlooked when we’re too focused on what’s next.

Embracing presence and patience also allows us to be more receptive to the nuances of mentorship—the small insights and subtle shifts that, over time, can lead to profound transformation. Often, it’s in the quieter moments of reflection that we begin to recognize the depth of the lessons our mentors offer. This slower, more mindful approach helps us cultivate gratitude for each stage of the journey and encourages us to acknowledge and celebrate our growth along the way. When we release the need for immediate results, we make space for true, lasting change to unfold naturally, allowing each experience to deepen our understanding and expand our capacity for resilience and wisdom. In doing so, we come to see that the journey itself holds as much value as the destination, enriching us with each step we take.

Key point #6: 

As we bring these insights together, it’s clear that mentorship is a dynamic journey—a blend of inspiration, accountability, support, and growth that evolves over time. Each mentor we encounter plays a unique role in helping us navigate our path, whether through short-term guidance during a particular season or a long-term relationship that supports us across many stages of growth. Some mentors offer precisely what we need in a single moment, while others become lasting influences, helping us weather the challenges and triumphs of life. The mentorship journey is never static; it ebbs and flows, reflecting the richness of our evolving goals and needs.

In each mentorship experience, we’re invited to embrace new perspectives, challenge our assumptions, and hold ourselves accountable to what truly matters. But mentorship is a gift that grows through sharing. As we gain wisdom and clarity, a natural next step is to pass on what we’ve learned by becoming mentors ourselves. Just as others have shared their experiences, knowledge, and insights with us, we too can pay it forward by guiding others along their journeys. Sharing the insights and tools we’ve gained not only strengthens our understanding but also creates a ripple effect of growth, empowering others to explore their potential and overcome their own challenges.

Mentorship is often a network, not a solo relationship, and one of the most powerful aspects of this journey is sharing our mentors with others. When we introduce friends, family members, or colleagues to those who have guided us, we help expand the circle of support. Each mentor we’ve learned from—whether it’s someone who provided a fresh perspective, accountability, or encouragement—becomes a resource that can benefit others. In this way, mentorship is amplified, fostering a community that thrives on collective growth and learning.

At different points, we may even find that we need multiple mentors, each supporting a different area of our lives. A mentor for professional growth, another for personal wellness, and yet another for parenting or relationships can bring specialized insights, helping us achieve a balanced, well-rounded path forward. By leaning into this diversity of guidance, we gain support in each unique aspect of our journey without feeling fragmented or overwhelmed.

Being open to both receiving and giving mentorship allows us to cultivate a spirit of generosity and gratitude. When we approach mentorship with humility and a willingness to learn, we honor those who guided us by passing on their lessons. Becoming a mentor ourselves is an extension of this gratitude, as we help others find their way, offering them a steady hand or a fresh perspective when they need it most. Through this cycle of giving and receiving, mentorship becomes woven into the fabric of our personal and professional lives, expanding our horizons and strengthening our resilience.

With these reflections in mind, let’s transition into our coaching questions. These are designed to help you integrate these insights, connect more deeply with your goals, and explore how you might not only seek mentors but also share your journey with others. Let’s take this time to reflect and begin taking meaningful steps forward on your unique path.

[Music]

Segment: Coaching Questions

Here are ten coaching questions to tie everything together:

1. Where in your life are you resisting letting go, and how can you begin to release control in that area?

2. How might embracing the temporary nature of your current challenges shift your perspective and ease your stress?

3. What small, daily practices can you commit to that will help you stay present and grounded in your journey?

4. In what ways can you show more self-compassion when you face setbacks or moments of imperfection?

5. What would trusting the process look like for you in a specific area of your life right now?

6. How does perfectionism hold you back, and what can you do to release the need for everything to be "perfect"?

7. Where can you begin to set stronger boundaries to create more space for self-care and personal growth?

8. How does trusting that you are enough change the way you approach your goals or challenges?

9. Think of a recent challenge—what have you learned from it that will help you move forward?

10. How can you shift from focusing solely on your destination to fully enjoying the journey you're on today? 

These questions are intended to help you see mentorship and guidance as mutual, dynamic relationships that not only support you but also allow you to empower others. Reflect on these, and let yourself explore how leaning on others can lead you forward—and how sharing what you’ve learned can create a positive ripple effect for everyone involved.

CLOSING REMARKS & EPISODE SUMMARY

Episode summary:

Thank you for joining me in this episode as we explored the profound impact that mentors and guides can have on our journeys. From expanding our perspectives and helping us break out of comfort zones to keeping us accountable and encouraging us to look inward, mentorship is a powerful catalyst for growth. It invites us to approach our challenges with new insights, to question assumptions that may be holding us back, and to open ourselves to learning from others in ways we might not have anticipated.

In today’s discussion, we also touched on the importance of finding the right mentor—someone who may offer what we need, not just what we want. True mentorship often includes guidance that stretches us, sometimes in uncomfortable yet ultimately transformative ways. Whether these relationships are short-term or long-lasting, whether they offer specialized guidance or broad wisdom, mentors illuminate our paths and remind us that we are not alone in our journey.

If you’re looking for a mentor and would like support in finding the right fit, let’s set up a call together. I have an ever-growing network of coaches, therapists, and wellness professionals from my coaching practice and podcast, and if I’m not the best fit for you, I’ll help you find someone who is. You can schedule a free consultation with me at https://www.wellnessineveryseason.com/challenge-page/free-wellness-consult. It would be my privilege to help you take that first step in connecting with the guidance you need.

We also explored the idea of paying it forward. Just as we receive support and insight, we are given opportunities to share what we’ve learned, to become guides ourselves, and to introduce others to the mentors who have helped us grow. By offering our own experiences and passing on the lessons we’ve received, we help create a cycle of growth, wisdom, and resilience that extends beyond ourselves.

Take time to reflect on your relationship with mentorship. Consider the roles that guides and mentors have played in your life and the ways you might reach out for support—or offer it to others. The coaching questions are designed to deepen your understanding of the power of mentorship and help you connect with the guidance that can take you forward.

Thank you for being here, for listening, and for supporting this podcast. Your presence and engagement make it possible for us to explore these meaningful topics together. Until next time, remember that every season brings an opportunity to grow, connect, and find strength in each step of the journey. Let’s embrace wellness in every season.

[Music]

Outro: 

Thank you for joining me on Wellness in Every Season. Remember to take time to relax, heal, and be present. Next week, we will be talking with Monica Crnogorac about teen anxiety.

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode. I am your host, Autumn Carter, a certified life coach dedicated to empowering individuals to rediscover their identity, find balance amidst chaos, strengthen relationships, and pursue their dreams. My goal is to help people thrive in every aspect of their lives. I hope today's discussion inspired you and offered valuable insights.

Stay engaged with our wellness community by signing up for my newsletter at wellnessineveryseason.com/free-resources. When you join, you'll have the option to receive a five-day guide called Awaken and Unwind: Five Days to Mastering Your Mornings and Evenings, along with free guides, special offers on my programs, practical tips, personal stories, and much more by signing up for both offers on the page.

Don't miss out on these valuable resources designed to help you thrive in every area of wellness. Join today and start your journey to wellness in every season. Your shares, subscriptions, and reviews help us reach more people seeking empowerment, so please spread the word about our podcast.

Thank you for being a part of our podcast community. I look forward to continuing our conversation, sharing stories, and exploring wellness in all its aspects. Take care until our next episode. You can also work with me one-on-one or on-demand through one of my programs by visiting wellnessineveryseason.com/programs.

One last thing to cover the show legally. I am a certified life coach giving general advice. So think of this more like a self-help book. This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. I am not a licensed therapist. So this podcast shouldn't be taken as a replacement for professional guidance from a doctor or therapist. If you want personal one-on-one coaching from a certified life and parenting coach, Go to my website, wellnessineveryseason.com. That's where you can get personalized coaching from me.

See you in next week's episode.