(Keywords: Mentoring, Personal Brand)
"Keep your options open". That was the best advice my first and most invested mentor has ever given me. When I was much younger and making even the simplest of decisions, often I would choose the most obvious path.
And then, my Dad would step in and say: "give yourself some time, think about it, keep your options open".
At first I wasn't exactly sure what he meant by that, but I soon learned that giving the time to let things "play out" could open up new worlds of possibilities and choices. And control of my destiny!
I believe it has been that mantra of keeping my options open that has allowed me to live a life that has constantly tested my comfort zone and enabled me to grow. It has also proved out that when things don't go the way you first saw them going they can actually work out better! Who knew!
As I have wound through my journey of work life, I have encountered other mentors who have encouraged me to "smoke a cigarette" and "keep the Band-Aid on a little longer". These happen to be very successful people that I admire and learn from every day. Opening yourself to learning from mentors (and their experiences) is the fastest way to success!
So I will share my jewel with you. The next time you're given a choice of which path to take, avoid taking the most predictable and safe one — at least at first! Give yourself the time to let it settle. Weigh the risks and, more importantly, the upsides if you decide to take the leap of faith! Whichever choice you make, you will own it and have no regrets for what could have been!
Deb Bulken is Regional Sales Director for Luxottica and member of the Mentoring Committee. You can reach her at .
"I always say don't make plans — make options."
