Creating Mentors/Idols
Okay, I’m trying something out here. Most if not everyone goes through a turbulent phase of life where there is true change and turnover. When you’re looking at the timing of these catalytic movements they’re typically in your teenage years and again in your 20’s. But if we're being real, they’re never-ending. I’m painfully aware of this right now as I’m 24 and looking for my break. I began to recollect how many shifts in my mindset have happened in my life. I’ve gone from looking for my place on the totem pole to finding new totem poles, and now I’ve thrown out the totem pole altogether. What I’ve come to terms with is that I was searching for a sense of belonging, I’ve now realized that the void can only be filled by me alone.
Embarking on a personal Hero’s Journey is vital to the human experience.
Every bird needs to leave the nest.
There seems to be a new wave or just the most recent resurgence of “breaking out of the Matrix”. This is essentially the process of becoming more aware of your surroundings and having a better pulse on all of the outside influences pulling at your strings. Becoming fully conscious in this reality is a tall order but our mortal duty.
Have you ever heard of Plato’s Cave? Neither had I until recently. The gist of it is a philosophical thought experiment of having subjects in a subterranean cave that are given artificial stimuli while being restrained. Eventually, one of them breaks free and goes into the real world and experiences what life actually is. At first, his eyes burn, his breath is more labored and a bit of fear overwhelms him. As he acclimates though he begins to embrace the wonder of the truth. Experiencing reality for what it is and not your perception of it opens your mind and soul to unbroken ground. Through the most recent phase of lifting veils in my life, I have found myself looking for sage advice. Mentors and Idols come at a premium when they have actual substance.
When looking for someone to guide you through a particularly awry section of your journey make sure you are vetting them properly. Going past the surface is critical in this stage. When you find an idol or mentor that you’re ready to put some stock in, make sure they are not only promoting the vane upsides of self-development. Avoid the “Do these 10 steps to get your revenge body and make them regret ever letting you go”.
Oddly specific? Hmm…weird I have absolutely zero idea why that was top of mind…anyways.
If you are investing in mentors/idols that only give motivation through negative feedback be wary. I’m not saying there’s not a place for this, in fact, I think it can be very effective but it’s a quick and cheap way to do it. If you want lasting results, find the resources that teach and guide you to invest in yourself and not rely on affirmation from the outside. Developing a detector to discern fools from real gold will be one of the most valuable assets you can add to your life.
I have a sneaky suspicion that developing a philosopher’s mind will help you navigate a few of the tribulations currently afflicting you. This doesn’t mean paralyzing yourself in thought your entire day wondering if we live on a giant booger. More in the line of breaking down your daily habits and interactions into actionable lists of how to better operate. Philosophers, specifically the good ones, positively disrupt societal norms. When everyone goes right without question because someone told them, take a step back, assess your options, and find the route that best suits your situation. If you combine your discernment in finding mentors with a philosopher’s mind you’ll soon realize there are unlimited possibilities for you to better your life.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, fictional characters can teach you valuable real-world lessons. Uncle Iroh teaches us that ambition, pride, and intimidation only get you so far, but when you lose your son before he gets a chance to bloom then nothing other than love and family is more important. Goku teaches us that the only limits we have are the ones we put on ourselves and to constantly keep pushing them to break new ground. Forrest Gump teaches us that others’ perceptions of you are not a limiting factor but a chance to be more than ever expected.
Life is an ever-progressing puzzle and filling it in with seemingly mismatched pieces to complete the beautiful picture it’s meant to be is its greatest joy.
