Being a Jedi requires focus, dedication, an ability to juggle many different roles, perseverance, and mental toughness. The same skillset applies to being a successful entrepreneur.

Jedi’s learn the way of the force; entrepreneurs learn the way of business.

Jedi’s and entrepreneurs maximize their potential and master their craft by learning from mentors. Mentors can’t do the work for you, but they can provide you with the tools needed for success.

The beginning of entrepreneurship is often the toughest, confusing, and bumpiest of times. You don’t have much to show for your efforts, your bank account is depleting and you start to wonder if things will ever get better.

Your psyche is fragile and you’re dealing with uncertainty. Having an experienced figure to lean on is one of the most important actions you can take to increase your chances of succeeding at entrepreneurism.

Here are 6 benefits that mentors provide

1. Mentors provide support

Luke didn’t learn the ways of the force without guidance from Yoda. Luke couldn’t defeat the evil empire without the help of Han Solo and company. So what makes you think that you can conquer the world of entrepreneurship by yourself?

Everyone needs support. There isn’t one entrepreneur who has become successful without any help. Where can you turn to when times get rough and you begin contemplating throwing in the towel? Your mentor will be there to stop this irrational thinking.

Where’s your accountability coming from now? There isn’t a boss who gives you a schedule or coworkers to lean on to pick up your slack.

It’s up to you and only you to make schedules, seek out support, make all the tough decisions, and manage other people.

The majority of people won’t understand the sacrifices and risk that entrepreneurs have to make. Having a Yoda in your corner will give you a source to rely on for advice and difficult times.

2. Mentors provide Perspective

Taking a step back and being objective about your situation is crucial to succeeding. This provides clarity to your business. Increased clarity leads to better business decisions. Yet, it’s difficult to separate ourselves from our business.

A prime example is Luke wanting to go to Cloud City to rescue Han and Leia while Yoda advises against it. Luke’s emotions are too entrenched in the situation to sense it’s a trap. However, Yoda provided an objective viewpoint due to being on the outside of the situation.

Often times, we’re too emotional about our business to make sound and rational decisions. Giving ourselves harsh, but valuable advice is not likely to happen. Instead, we head into the situation without thinking about the consequences.

Mentors aren’t invested in your business. Their thought process is clear, unbiased, and logical, allowing for constructive criticism.

3. Mentors provide a mindset toward success

Success starts with developing the right mindset needed for the long term.

Everyone faces obstacles, but we can choose how we respond to those situations. Notice how mentors conduct themselves when faced with specific situations.

How does your mentor daily habits and behaviors look?

How does your mentor handle setbacks and disappointments?

How does your mentor handle projects and getting work done?

How does your mentor approach setting goals?

How does your mentor handle success?

How does your mentor handle fear(which never goes away), yet keeps moving forward?

It’s essential you find a mentor for increase chances of success, just as Luke sought out Yoda for guidance.

4. Mentors have been in your shoes before

Maybe you had a bad month in sales.

Perhaps you lost a couple clients.

Maybe you had some unexpected expenses pop-up that threw a wrench in your budget.

New entrepreneurs have a tendency to make every problem/obstacle a major deal. We tell ourselves that we’re ruined or worse, we’ll have to quit. Of course, the reality of it all isn’t as bad as we’ve made it out to be.

Your problems aren’t new, revolutionary, ground breaking, nor impossible. In fact, these so-called ‘problems’ are a common issue all entrepreneurs face.

Mentors have been in your exact position before. They understand the struggles of creating a business from the ground up. They understand how mentally draining it can be to take that leap of faith and to start living life on your own terms.

5. Mentors provide advice worth the weight of gold

Mentors speed up your learning curve due to avoiding common pitfalls and failures that they made.

Having a Yoda at your side will provide you with a successful blueprint to follow. Mentors can tell you if your goals are realistic, reasonable, and if that’s where your focus should be for long term success. Thus, allowing you to work harder and smarter, due to efficiency.

6. Mentors have a great circle of friends

Over time, your mentor will become one of your most trusted friends. As you gain experience, the dynamics of your relationship will change. Your mentor will appreciate who you currently are, even though you are evolving into a new person each day.

Just as the Jedi council is full of expertise and experience. Your mentors circle is full of knowledge that is valuable to you becoming a better entrepreneur. Your mentor’s circle isn’t full of negativity, deadbeats, or procrastinators. Successful people hangout with other successful people. Remember, you are the average of the 5 people you hangout with the most.

Final Takeaway

Entrepreneurship is tough, psychologically draining at times, and emotionally taxing. It’s not for everyone. While these are its downsides, entrepreneurship is a beautiful thing. There is nothing more rewarding than creating something from the ground up.

If you decide to become an entrepreneur, seek out a Yoda to guide you through the tough times because there will be obstacles. Guaranteed. When it comes to putting in the work everyday, Yoda said it best, “Do or do not. There is no try.”

Yoda’s Mentorship Quote