Balance, Guidance and Development

Personal, individual and social development depends, fundamentally on, 'Early formation of lasting bonds with other people' Giddens. He suggests this is a key aspect of behaving in an acceptable way within society. Moreover, it establishes an awareness of one's environment, one's development and where one sits within that.

Development is particularly important, in that it allows a person to recognise the need of both balance and guidance. We also have to understand that to teach and guide - one must learn and improve - in order to assist those who seek that very need. No one is knowledgable enough or all knowing enough to give direction or motion, particularly towards a holistic approach to guidance. Too often - we fall short in certain aspects of our lives. Training, work and other areas takes precedence over family.

We neglect this most important part - and by doing this, fail to show due concern for what should be our most greatest value. In order to recognise this, one must find balance. Balance in one's self, one's family and in one's life.

Balance, guidance and development is the very basis of which our self-consciousness is established. If this is done, then and only then can one grow.

What is Purpose

Oxford Dictionary - Purpose:  The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

Purpose implies significance, guidance and belief. Purpose is given to us through trials, tribulations and in times where life may have no meaning.

The test of an individuals ability to overcome these trials can be two-fold. As such, it reminds us of having faith in oneself, one's ability and one's future, during these most difficult periods.

Change and progress are inevitable. Life is continually evolving, developing and giving us insight into what is likely or may happen in times to come. From this we learn that 'Determination, commitment, camaraderie, goal-setting, loyalty and sacrifice' (Graeme Lancefield) is what can be attained through such times.

Your resolve will resonate in what has been written. Let this not be detrimental in your choice of life. Rather, let it allow you to find your purpose in your journey towards a new life.

These words may allow you to transcend through those times of hardship and go beyond those limits, which will then present to you - your purpose.

Conscious Listening

Being aware of and responding to a person is the cornerstone of a mentor's role. The ability to listen deeply and to engage continuously is synonymous with the role of a mentor.

Wisdom equates to clever or confident speech, while listening is a passive, subordinate activity: as Shafir (2000) writes. We believe ‘it is the wiser person who does the talking.’ We also think that listening happens automatically, our ears are working, therefore we listen. In consequence, many people have simply never practiced listening.

'Talking without listening is like snipping an electrical cord in half and hoping that somehow something will light up.' Michael P. Nichols, author of The Lost Art of Listening. To take notice of and give one's complete attention to a person, requires consciousness of the need to listen. This allows one to effectively respond with sensitivity by considering a person's need.

The 1936 classic How to Win Friends and Influence People advises, ‘Be a good listener and encourage people to talk about themselves.’

Inspiration

Great leaders come in many varieties but all have one thing in common: they inspire. - Beliefnet.

The quality of being inspired is by measure or degree of excellence. Providing and presenting inspiration, evokes or brings to mind images and/or feelings of admiration. These images allows one to see, feel and believe, that anything is possible. With that in mind, part of a mentors objective, is not to be influenced by personal feelings or opinions, rather consider and present facts that guide, counsel, encourage and give opportunities to those people by allowing them to reach their full potential.

The most satisfying experience of a mentor, is watching these opportunities being embraced. By doing this – one develops into being a positive, non-judgemental role model.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, 'A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.'

'You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.'

- Les Brown

Mentoring

 Oxford Dictionary - Mentor: An experienced and trusted adviser:

Its History: Derived from the Greek Word Mentor. The original Mentor is a character in Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey. When Odysseus, King of Ithaca went to fight in the Trojan War, he entrusted the care of his kingdom to Mentor. Mentor served as the teacher and overseer of Odysseuss’ son, Telemachus.

From this we learn, that a mentor is more than one who provides professional and executive services. A mentor is one that guides, directs, motions, positions and gives advice to those in matters of behaviour, belief, development and planning. A more holistic approach to this would be where those elements mentioned, takes into account one's social development, which inturn allows for a better understanding of where one's journey begins and what that journey entails.

 Our people at  NABBA/WFF NZ invest energy and passion into our athletes. We are committed in providing continued support, enabling individuals to develop their skills, talent and proficiency, whilst allowing each person discover, their own value of importance.

We want to share our enthusiasm with those who see mentoring as being beneficial for their personal growth, health and wellbeing. We believe that these principles can be applied to not only the individuals physical improvement but also their psychological and spiritual advancement.

 Let us help support you towards achieving your  goals.  

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NABBA/WFF NZ