The Need for Guidance
Putting Aside Ego & Seeing Blind spots
When we can’t see where we’re stuck . . .
we’re often stopped by a “blind spot”.
Finding guidance from a mentor can be the key to unlocking these hidden obstacles.
When you realize what you can't see, you discover a way forward.
👇READ On!
In our latest episode of the Level Up and Live podcast, we dive deep into the importance of guidance, mentorship, and the often-overlooked power of clarity in achieving success. Both Sean and I (Ewan) have seen firsthand how crucial these elements are for anyone looking to elevate their game, whether in business, personal development, or athletic pursuits.
Whether through mentors, coaches, or supportive communities, the right guidance can accelerate progress, uncover hidden potential, and help us overcome challenges we might not even realize exist. At Level Up and Live, we believe that guidance is not just beneficial—it's essential.
The Importance of Guidance
Guidance provides a roadmap when we're lost, offering insights that can save us from unnecessary detours. It's not just about gaining knowledge; it's about applying it effectively. As Ewan and Sean discussed in a recent podcast episode, "It's not about money, it's about time."
Guidance helps us condense the time it takes to reach our goals by leveraging the experiences and expertise of others.
Our Journey with Guidance
Reflecting on our own experiences, we've both had moments where guidance made all the difference. For instance, Sean recounted his time working under a mentor at State Farm, who not only taught him the ropes of the business but also instilled a new mindset. This mentor's approach to life and business was a revelation, shifting Sean's perspective from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and clarity.
One particularly impactful moment came when Sean's mentor took him under his wing, not just in a professional capacity, but also in life.
Sean shared: "He didn't give me a booklet, Ewan. He didn't give me a podcast. He didn't give me a YouTube video. He didn't say, 'Hey, go study this course.' All that was micro. All that was minutiae. All that was just information overload, which led to being paralyzed. He guided me. He held my hand. He took me underneath his wing."
This hands-on mentorship provided Sean with real-life lessons and a roadmap that went beyond theory, making a lasting impact on his career and life.
Ewan, on the other hand, shared how his fitness coach provided a simple yet life-changing piece of advice: how to use a Garmin watch to monitor race splits. This nugget of wisdom transformed his approach to training and competition, demonstrating that sometimes the smallest insights can lead to the most significant improvements. It’s a perfect example of how practical tips and epic resources can unlock new levels of performance.
Why We Resist Guidance
Despite its importance, many people resist seeking guidance. Whether due to ego, fear of being judged, or a belief that they should "figure it out themselves," this resistance can be a significant barrier to success. Sean shared a poignant anecdote about his early career, where he struggled with accepting guidance, only to realize later how much faster he could have achieved his goals with the right support. Sometimes, “blindspots” can be to blame.
“We all have blind spots—those areas where our perception is limited and our assumptions go unchallenged. Recognizing and addressing them is a lifelong journey.”
Overcoming Blind Spots
One of the most profound benefits of having a mentor or coach is the ability to recognize and address blind spots—those aspects of ourselves that we can't see clearly. These blind spots can be stumbling blocks in our personal lives and careers, hindering our progress without us even realizing it.
Objective Perspective: Mentors offer an external viewpoint, free from the biases and emotions that can cloud our judgment. They see things we can't, offering valuable insights into our actions and decisions.
Experience Sharing: With their wealth of experience, mentors can identify patterns and pitfalls. They share lessons from their own journeys, helping us navigate similar challenges more effectively.
Probing Questions: Rather than simply giving advice, good mentors ask the right questions. This encourages self-reflection and helps us uncover assumptions and biases we weren't aware of.
Constructive Feedback: Honest feedback is crucial for growth. Mentors highlight both our strengths and areas for improvement, guiding us toward balanced development.
Support and Accountability: A mentor provides not only guidance but also the encouragement and accountability needed to tackle our blind spots. They help us stay committed to the journey of self-improvement.
Implementing Guidance
The journey of growth involves more than just recognizing blind spots; it requires actionable steps to address them. This is where the combination of guidance and personal initiative becomes powerful.
Applying Feedback: Use the insights and advice from your mentor to make tangible changes in your approach and behavior.
Continuous Learning: Stay open to learning from various sources, including books, podcasts, and courses.
Active Reflection: Regularly assess your progress and adjust your strategies based on new insights and experiences.
Take Action
At Level Up and Live, we offer group coaching and mastermind groups to provide a supportive environment for growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or professional seeking clarity and direction, our programs are designed to help you recognize and overcome your blind spots.
Explore our group coaching and mastermind groups to find the support system that works best for you.
Discover your core values with our free exercise to gain deeper clarity on what drives you.
Tune in to our latest podcast episode for more insights and inspiration.
Embrace the journey, seek guidance, and always strive for clarity. Remember, the only thing standing between you and your goals is the story you keep telling yourself. Change the story, change your life.
“The biggest failure is not continuing to seek guidance.”
Taking Action: Live Your Values
Once you have a clearer picture of your core values, it's time to translate them into action. Here's how:
Goal Setting: Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) that align with your values. If "creativity" is a core value, a goal might be to dedicate 30 minutes daily to a creative pursuit, like painting or writing.
Decision Making: When faced with choices, use your core values as a compass. Does this career path align with your desire for stability? Does this relationship nurture your value of open communication?
Personal Growth: Look for opportunities to strengthen your skills and grow in areas that resonate with your values. If "leadership" is important, enroll in a leadership development course or volunteer in a leadership role within a community organization.
Final Thoughts
Guidance, whether from a mentor, coach, or mastermind group, is an invaluable tool in overcoming the limitations of our blind spots. It provides the perspective and support needed to challenge our assumptions and unlock new potential. As we navigate the journey of personal and professional growth, seeking guidance helps us see what we can't on our own, paving the way for transformative change.
Embrace the journey, seek out the guidance you need, and remember that the path to success is often illuminated by those who have traveled it before.
With clarity and the right support, anything is possible.
👇TUNE INTO OUR LEVEL UP AND LIVE PODCAST EPISODE ALL ABOUT the power of guidance.
In this episode, we’ve got Sean and Ewan, showing you how the right guidance can accelerate your progress ten times faster. Entrepreneurs and business owners, this is your roadmap to success. We're speaking into the power of mentorship and strategic advice to fast-track your journey with lightning speed!
You'll learn:
→ Uncover the power of guidance: Discover how seeking the right advice can dramatically accelerate your success.
→Conquer self-doubt: Learn how to overcome limiting beliefs and embrace a growth mindset.
→Master your mindset: Develop the mental fortitude needed to achieve your goals.
→Unlock the secrets of mentorship: Discover the transformative power of having a mentor or coach.
→Implement actionable strategies: Gain practical tips to apply guidance to your life and business.
→Overcome obstacles: Learn how to navigate challenges and setbacks with confidence.
→Achieve your dreams faster: Discover proven methods to reach your goals at lightning speed.
