Happy Healthy Mentoring

By: Najiva Timothee
Nonprofit Founder of Girls Dig Deeper Initiative 

My goal as a youth mentor and advocate is to raise the level of young minds to be great leaders and maximize their full potential.

As a mentor, there are qualities you must possess to ensure the development of a high-quality mentoring relationship. Just like preparing a delicious meal, there are certain ingredients you must include for the recipe to be a classic blend.

I love feel-good food, just like I want my mentoring relationship to feel good for me and for my mentee.

Here is a recipe for happy, healthy mentoring:

Total time: Ongoing
Prep Time: Don’t Rush The Process
Serves: Any mentor and mentee craving for healthy mentoring.

2 tbsp of good attitude
4 tbsp of full engagement
5 Large cups of time
1/2 cup of motivation
1 cup of self determination
21/2 cups of communication
31/4 tbsp of commitment
11/3 lbs. of trust
11/4 of goal achievement
2 lbs. of active listening
3 cups of leadership
2 cups full of gratitude and recognition

Mentoring is a two-way relationship. Blend, combine, add, and mix all the powerhouse ingredients to ensure a happy, healthy relationship for both people.

Step 1: It is important that both the mentor and mentee have a good attitude with each other, if not the relationship will get “sour” really quick.

Step 2: All good mentoring relationship begins with a personal relationship. The mentor and mentee must be fully engaged with each other. No engagement can leave a “bad taste” in your mouth.

Step 3: A mentor must be willing to devote their time to be alongside their mentee. Pour into their life and raise him or her to a higher level.

Step 4: Motivation must be stirred up. Mentor and mentee need to be motivated to get to new levels in life.

Step 5: Even though the mentor is present, the mentee should be determined to want good things in life. If the mentee doesn’t know how and what that looks like, the mentor should help “paint the
picture”.

Step 6: Mentoring relationship needs to full of communication. That is the only way we can be there for each other.

Step 7: Without commitment, there is no success. Mentor must be committed to the relationship with the mentee. Serve with additional care.

Step 8: Build trust. Add a dash a day. It is a necessary blend in the mentoring relationship. It truly adds flavor without adding salt.

Step 9: Don’t forget how important it is to listen to your mentees. Young people want to be heard. A lot of times they feel misunderstood.

Step 10: It is so important for the mentor to prepare goal-setting sessions for themselves and their mentees. Always set them up for success and create an environment where they will grow.

Step 11: As a mentor, we must prepare our youth to be leaders of tomorrow. Dipped in value and coated side down with character, they must take responsibility for their lives.

Step 12: Load up on gratitude and toss in recognition. Let your mentees know when they are progressing. This helps bring out positive vibes in the relationship

Whether you are looking for an energy boost, a surge of happiness, or a spoonful of love, this recipe is sprinkled with kindness and drizzled with hope.

P.S. Don’t forget to add a side dish of fun times and laughter together from time to time. Served with
simplicity.