I have found some of the best mentors for me are those who acknowledge their current struggles as well as the insights that have brought them success. It breaks the illusion that successful people have different “DNA” than the average person; which feeds the false belief that “I can never do what they are doing.” Whether it’s feeling different and alone, productivity struggles, or fears of upsetting people I think it’s helpful to understand everyone has stuff they are going through as well as tremendous strengths and talents.
Ha – that made me think of receiving a gift that comes in one of those nearly impossible-to-open plastic cases or battery-needed things that do not come with the battery. They are great gifts and a pain all at the same time. I imagine there are people who have considered me a gift and a pain all rolled into one. If we realize that every single person on the planet is a gift and a pain rolled into one perhaps our tolerance of those whom we initially see as pain will grow into greater acceptance. And then, we decide to explore more deeply how those people are really a gift.