The Post Credits Scene in Doctor Strange is infamous not for what it sets up, but for what Marvel seems to have forgotten.

It was a well done scene where Karl Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor’s character) goes full baddie and declares that the problem with the world is simple

"Too many wizards."

Not living in the Marvel Universe (For which I'm thankful, that's a scary place if you think about it.) I think we have a different problem.

"Too many gurus"

New Years Optimism

Common resolutions in the New Year include:

  • Losing Weight
  • Getting Rich
  • Finding Love

All great goals, but one thing that most of them have in common that isn't as obvious is that there is a coach for that.

Finding a Mentor

Obviously what you're doing now isn't working. So with new resolve you start a journey for that next diet, idea, or something to help you get out of that rut and get you to where you need to be.

If you do this for a while, you come to the realization that not only do you need help, but you need someone.

Someone that's been where you are that can help you go where you need to go.

This is the heart of all mentor relationships.

This is not a bad thing, in fact this is what our school and education system was indirectly built for. To give access to experts in fields to students to learn, inspire, and set them on a path to help them go further in their careers.

However, when you grow up and get out of school. The free advice kinda fizzles out until you're left with a less appealing option.

The Internet has exploded this industry and it really has no signs of stopping. Billions of dollars of marketing is spent directing people to find people who will help them with their problems.

The problem with this model is unlike in school that you have to pay them directly.

My wife is leery about online experts and there is a solid wisdom behind that.

We are defining new ways of earning trust:

  • Number of followers is the equivalent of size of the school.
  • Degrees and credentials have given way to social proof.
  • And whether if the content is polished or unpolished it’s all designed to attract a particular crowd.

On one end you can argue that the fact you have to pay them makes them untrustworthy.

I don’t agree.

This argument is why teachers are often underpaid and undervalued.

Your mentors in school growing up got paid, just not by you.

That said, this new order has really forced us to redefine a lot about coaches, mentors, and gurus.

If their way doesn't work:

  • Is it me?
  • Is it them?

Well there is a "simple" fix for that.

Mix and Match

This gets expensive quick since you now have 2 or 3 fitness coaches in your ear helping you in your quest to get fit.

But now, are you getting help or trying to find people who will agree with your initial approach?

Which wasn't working to begin with.

(And paying them money in the process.)

I try to throw no shade here, I'm guilty of this myself.

I have to remind myself often that coaches and mentorship is a two way street.

There is a level of trust you have to have in them to get to where you want to go. Simultaneously you have to make a decision once you understand the path.

Is it still worth it to you?

Journeys

There is a famous bible passage that has two different feels depending on how it’s translated.

Paraphrasing:

  • Trusting God "will direct your path"
  • Trusting God "will make your path straight"

One implies I will get direction on where to go, what to do, and how to do it.

The other implies that my path will be simple, straight, and in many ways easy.

I've always favored the first read. It doesn't promise ease, but it promises direction, a guide, assurance that this is the way.

I will end with this.

Be careful of those promising ease and comfort following them while simultaneously getting to your goal.

Find mentors with both eyes open.

And good luck with your New Year’s Resolutions!