The Power Of Mentorship

"Undirected diligence isn't very efficient; therefore, an element of planning must go into hard work." - John Wooden

Who do you want to be? Why? Where do you want to go? Why? What is stopping you? Why? What steps can you take to change that? What are my interests? What if I don’t have clear passions or direction right now?

These are JUST A FEW of the questions my mentors have helped me answer. You and I may not have the exact same goals, but think about how many situations these questions apply to. Struggling to find direction and motivation? Identifying areas of interest? Choosing what to do after high school? Transitioning to the next level in your sport? Everyone can use some help finding these answers.

We are bombarded with advertisements that seemingly offer quick fixes. Get stronger, faster, skinnier, smarter, happier - you name it! Despite this, most people know that there are no real shortcuts to success and fulfillment; it takes time, intentional work and focus to achieve your goals. However, in my experience, mentorship is an effective way to fast track growth. As famed investor Warren Buffett says, “It’s good to learn from your mistakes. It’s better to learn from other people’s mistakes.” Having access to someone with more life experience that can advise and counsel is more effective than doing the journey alone. A mentor in your corner that truly cares about your development will ensure that your time, work and focus are moving in the right direction...towards the person you were meant to be! 

Having a mentor is NOT a quick fix; it is still you who has to walk the path. Think of a mentor as someone who helps groom the path for you. They become someone you can talk to, someone you can be real with, someone you can ask questions and someone who is invested in your success.

I have benefited from the power of mentorship and I see it as my responsibility to pay that forward. We are not meant to go through life alone, we are not meant to withhold the “secrets” to success from each other. We are stronger individually AND as a community when we build each other up. I am grateful for the guidance my mentors have given me and I am grateful that Right Way has given me the opportunity to share that power with the next generation!

This post was written by Right Way director and coach, Clare Murphy, a former USPORTS Basketball Alumna, who is currently a certified teacher while also serving as an assistant coach with the University of Ottawa Women's Basketball Team.

1-on-1 Mentorship