[Sarah here] Earlier this week I was at Orangetheory Fitness where Tony and I attend regularly. Have to get that physical activity in! Anyone who’s done this workout, knows, it’s a HARD but feels so good, right? Anyways, when I was there recently I was taken back by the powerful lesson it taught me in mentorship. Sometimes, the most valuable lessons appear in the most unpredictable places.
A Lesson in Mentorship from Orangetheory Fitness
What is Mentorship?
‘Mentorship is a relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person. The mentor may be older or younger than the person being mentored, but he or she must have a certain area of expertise.‘
Think about who you look up to as a mentor.
Remember, these are people you may never have even met in person but they have impacted your life in some capacity. A capacity, that has helped (and helping) you grow.
This particular day at Orangetheory Fitness on the rowing machine, I had ZERO idea just how much impact that instructor had. And, I would bet either did the other dozen or so people she inspired.
Watching us all work our hardest to maintain pace was incredible.
Physiological Changes are Real
Think about what changes inside you when you are in the presence of someone you look up to. Or, someone you aspire to be like.
For me, I found the following;
- my posture improved
- I was pushing myself to new limits
- the excitement was growing inside of me
- I felt incredible inside – a smile on my face
- heart rate was up, adrenaline on a rush
Now, I know this maybe sounds totally crazy given that this was an Orangetheory Fitness instructor but I’m telling you she had all the makings of a mentor. I was watching it happen, right before my eyes.
A mentor in my opinion, is someone who gets into the trenches with you. It is that leader who pushes you based on their own actions. They want to see you succeed as much if not more, than you want it for yourself.
They are passionate about what they do and it shines through in the work they put out there. A mentor is always setting the example and leading from the front.
I never imagined the valuable lesson in mentorship I would receive on a rowing machine. But, I am so glad I was present enough, to notice. Where are you gaining your lessons from? Who are your mentors?
