What you want in a mentor is someone who truly cares for you and who will look after your interests and not just their own. When you do come across the right person to mentor you, start by showing them that the time they spend with you is worthwhile. – Vivek Wadhwa

I think we sometimes under estimate the power of positive role models in our lives.  I have always had a mentor, as a child, a teen, and also as an adult.  However, as adults we often forget that we need someone to inspire us and keep us focused.  But in order to be a good student, you also must be willing to be a good teacher.

A good mentor not only motivates you, but they also serve as a coach, a leader,  an inspiration and a person who helps you shape your vision for your future. But more importantly, mentorship is about team work.  Yes team work.  If any is taking the time out to help you realize your goal, then you also have to do the work and ensure that you are not letting that person down. If I invest in you, you also need to double the investment in yourself. Once you invest in yourself, then you are ready to guide and mentor someone else.

I found this article on http://www.artofmanliness.com  I saw no need to paraphrase because this is good stuff.

Just as you need man mentors, so too do other men. No one needs guidance in the art of manliness more than boys and young men, who are trying to figure how to become worthy men. Every man should make mentoring a part of his life. Here are just a few ways to do that:

• Become a Scout leader. Boy Scout troops always need volunteers who are eager to make a difference in boys’ lives.

• Become a Big Brother. A lot of young men out there are growing up without a positive father figure in their lives. Be the man these boys can turn to and emulate as they grow up.

• Volunteer with your church’s youth group. Lucky is the young man can find a man who is both an older friend and a spiritual mentor.

• Get to know your kids’ friends. I guess some kids try to hide from adults, but I always liked chatting it up with my friends’ parents. Some of my friend’s dads became my friend in their own right. Obviously, you don’t want to be the dorky dad who’s always hanging around, and you should know when to let your son and his friends alone. But if they’re game, it’s okay to hang out with them from time to time. Take you son and his friends fishing or hunting.

More importantly. get out there and make a difference in some one else’s life.  Mentorship works.