Inspiration

Where does your inspiration come from? It is an amazing feeling when someone or something inspires you, or when you inspire someone else. Inspiration could be waking up to puppy kisses, someone smiling at you when you've had a long day, or someone simply helping you on a project you just couldn't get done. Day by day as the job search continues, when given the opportunity to meet with different types of people, in all different types of careers, I am always searching for the same thing. Inspiration and to inspire others.

There are four little words that can fill your heart with joy. Somebody believes in you. That is what we all want, isn't it? When I have been lucky enough to get past that secretary, personal assistant or doberman like intern; when those golden doors have finally swung open, and I find myself seeking advice from a very impressive person, I always make sure I ask them TWO questions. These two questions come in a particular order and go something like this. The first is a simple question. The second has three parts, but the answers are always the same.

I ask: 1) Would you consider mentoring me? I could come into the office, observe you, be a part of something great just to see how things work in this "real world." The answer is always the same, "I would love to BUT.... I am just too busy right now."

I then ask them:
2) Did you have a mentor? How did you get your start? Who believed in you?

The look that comes across their face is usually one of fondness, with a slight smile and glassy eyes. When they talk about their mentor, their inspiration, they talk about them with excitement and awe as if it were just yesterday that someone believed in them. Someone gave them a chance, an opportunity to show their value and grow and have an opportunity to prosper. Someone that was there at their high points and low points and encouraged and enabled these people to become who they are.

I have never asked that question and had anyone say, "I didn't have a mentor, a friend, someone that believed in me and encouraged me." Why? Because we all need that person at sometime in our lives, often when we least expect it. And in turn, if that person could hold that value close and when they have the opportunity to step it up for someone, they do, they may not have the time, but they make the time.

Steven Spielberg brilliantly portrayed this message in his speech at the 66th Golden Globe Awards when he was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award. He said that his mentor told him, "I will always be there for you in success, but I will also always be there for you during the tough times. "

Imagine a world, where someone didn't believe in Steven Spielberg.