This is a powerful exploration of potential! I agree that mentorship is key, especially in underprivileged environments. However, it makes me wonder: how often do we evaluate the circles we’re in? Are we truly inspired by those around us, or just settling for the familiar? And in more privileged places, is there such a thing as being 'over-mentored'? I feel too much guidance can stifle our creativity. In the end it's all about finding the balance.
The mind is an extraordinary place that often seeks comfort, making it resistant to taking the necessary leaps of faith to become our best selves. When faced with unfamiliar situations, our instincts kick in to protect us, which is why many people choose to remain as they are. This aversion to self-reflection can paralyze them with reminders of what could have been if they had evaluated their current situation and considered who they truly want to become.
I remember reading a book about a boy with a paralysis condition who was perceived as slow and deemed unable to cope in a mainstream school. Like any caring parents, his mother and father followed the doctor's advice and moved him to a school designed for children with similar challenges. Despite facing ridicule from peers, the boy preferred to stay at his original school. The parents, prioritizing his protection, eventually realized they were being overly cautious. They understood that perhaps it was beneficial to allow him to navigate these challenges on his own, especially since he was eager to do so. Over time, he improved.
This illustrates that mentors and parents can sometimes overstep their boundaries. They need to recognize when they have done enough and allow those they’ve nurtured to flourish on their own. It's inevitable that mistakes will be made along the way, but stepping back and providing reassurance can empower individuals to realize their potential and achieve success. Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr Hajat Tukur!
Hi Khanya, this is a very thoughtful and well structured post. How often do we regret not achieving our potential, or comment on the potential potential of others! It's interesting because I have a different perspective from Hajar, I think an important key to unlocking our potential is a professional coach or encouraging mentor. Subjectivity is key, but support and encouragement are often essential to unblocking the flow. I have been reading and listening to Cal Newport recently, I highly recommend his books and podcast.
Thank you, Jerry, for your insightful thoughts, I truly appreciate them. I never want to wake up in 50 years with regrets or an unfulfilled life. I don't want to hear, "He had so much potential, what happened to him?" If that were to happen to me, I would feel like I failed myself and the gift that God has given me, not to mention my future family. I completely agree that mentors and support are essential, but it's crucial for the mentee to find that silver lining where they must take the lessons learned and put them into action. I believe, as Dr. Hajar said, that excessive mentoring can stall progress. Ultimately, one needs to determine when to step back and monitor, and I think that's the tricky part.
This is a powerful exploration of potential! I agree that mentorship is key, especially in underprivileged environments. However, it makes me wonder: how often do we evaluate the circles we’re in? Are we truly inspired by those around us, or just settling for the familiar? And in more privileged places, is there such a thing as being 'over-mentored'? I feel too much guidance can stifle our creativity. In the end it's all about finding the balance.
The mind is an extraordinary place that often seeks comfort, making it resistant to taking the necessary leaps of faith to become our best selves. When faced with unfamiliar situations, our instincts kick in to protect us, which is why many people choose to remain as they are. This aversion to self-reflection can paralyze them with reminders of what could have been if they had evaluated their current situation and considered who they truly want to become.
I remember reading a book about a boy with a paralysis condition who was perceived as slow and deemed unable to cope in a mainstream school. Like any caring parents, his mother and father followed the doctor's advice and moved him to a school designed for children with similar challenges. Despite facing ridicule from peers, the boy preferred to stay at his original school. The parents, prioritizing his protection, eventually realized they were being overly cautious. They understood that perhaps it was beneficial to allow him to navigate these challenges on his own, especially since he was eager to do so. Over time, he improved.
This illustrates that mentors and parents can sometimes overstep their boundaries. They need to recognize when they have done enough and allow those they’ve nurtured to flourish on their own. It's inevitable that mistakes will be made along the way, but stepping back and providing reassurance can empower individuals to realize their potential and achieve success. Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr Hajat Tukur!
Hi Khanya, this is a very thoughtful and well structured post. How often do we regret not achieving our potential, or comment on the potential potential of others! It's interesting because I have a different perspective from Hajar, I think an important key to unlocking our potential is a professional coach or encouraging mentor. Subjectivity is key, but support and encouragement are often essential to unblocking the flow. I have been reading and listening to Cal Newport recently, I highly recommend his books and podcast.
Thank you, Jerry, for your insightful thoughts, I truly appreciate them. I never want to wake up in 50 years with regrets or an unfulfilled life. I don't want to hear, "He had so much potential, what happened to him?" If that were to happen to me, I would feel like I failed myself and the gift that God has given me, not to mention my future family. I completely agree that mentors and support are essential, but it's crucial for the mentee to find that silver lining where they must take the lessons learned and put them into action. I believe, as Dr. Hajar said, that excessive mentoring can stall progress. Ultimately, one needs to determine when to step back and monitor, and I think that's the tricky part.