Session 5 Self Discipline

Summary

The video script explores the vital role of mentors in personal development and achievement. It delves into the history of mentorship, from ancient Babylonian King Hammurabi to modern self-made successes, emphasizing the importance of learning through modeling. The script advises on finding mentors through various means, including media, personal acquaintances, networking, and apprenticeships. It encourages viewers to emulate the behaviors and attitudes of successful individuals to develop self-discipline and inspire personal growth, ultimately achieving their goals by believing in their potential to succeed.

Takeaways

• 📚 Mentorship is a timeless concept rooted in ancient civilizations, with the term 'mentor' originating from Homer's 'The Odyssey'.
• 🧠 Mentors provide inspiration, motivation, and examples that can significantly influence one's path to success or failure.
• 👨‍🏫 The role of a mentor is to instill a belief in the possibility of achieving goals and to facilitate learning through modeling.
• 👥 Modeling is crucial for the transfer of skills, values, attitudes, and behaviors from mentors to students.
• 👶 From an early age, individuals learn and imitate behaviors from those around them, which can shape their future success or failure.
• 🔍 Finding mentors can be done indirectly through reading biographies, watching films, and observing role models in various media.
• 🤝 Direct mentorship can occur through personal acquaintances, networking, and apprenticeships with accomplished individuals.
• 📈 High achievers often draw inspiration from role models, learning from their successes and the self-discipline required to achieve them.
• 🌟 Recognizing the humanity and imperfections of mentors helps demystify them and boosts one's confidence in their own ability to succeed.
• 🎭 Emulating the behaviors and attitudes of successful mentors can provide a template for achieving one's own goals.
• 💡 The power of role models lies in the sense of possibility they inspire, motivating individuals to work persistently towards their vision.

Q & A

What is the significance of the character Mentor in Homer's The Odyssey?

In Homer's The Odyssey, Mentor is a wise and practical man who keeps everything running smoothly at home while Odysseus is away on adventures. His name has become synonymous with a wise and trusted counselor or teacher in the English language.

Why are mentors important in achieving one's goals?

Mentors are crucial because they provide inspiration, motivation, and examples that can make the difference between achievement and failure. They help individuals develop the belief that anything is possible and allow them to learn through modeling the person they aspire to be.

What is the historical example of mentorship mentioned in the script?

The script mentions King Hammurabi of Babylon, who in the 18th century BC, developed the Code of Hammurabi and required men of learning and craftsmanship to pass on their knowledge and skills to the young, realizing the importance of modeling for the continuity of civilization.

How do values, attitudes, and behaviors get passed on from mentors to students?

Values, attitudes, and behaviors are passed on from mentors to students through the process of modeling, where students observe, imitate, and learn from the actions and behaviors of their mentors.

What role do our early life models play in shaping our self-discipline and success?

Early life models, such as parents, siblings, and teachers, play a significant role in shaping our self-discipline and success. If we have good models of integrity and achievement, we are more likely to grow up to be achievers ourselves. Conversely, if our models reflect apathy or failure, we may imitate negative behaviors.

How can an individual develop a positive outlook and self-discipline?

An individual can develop a positive outlook and self-discipline by throwing off the cloak of self-doubt, realizing their potential to achieve goals, and using self-discipline to develop the necessary knowledge and skills for success.

What are the two ways achievers draw inspiration from role models?

Achievers draw inspiration from role models indirectly through reading biographies, autobiographies, and watching films, and directly through day-to-day observation and contact with successful individuals.

How can one find mentors through personal acquaintances?

One can find mentors through personal acquaintances by observing friends or family members who have achieved success in business or have made outstanding contributions to the community, allowing for close observation of their attitudes, behaviors, and problem-solving strategies.

What is the purpose of networking in finding mentors?

Networking is used to build relationships with people who can introduce and expose you to positive role models. It is a way to establish contacts that create greater opportunities and place you among successful, self-disciplined individuals.

What is the concept of apprenticeship and why is it still relevant today?

Apprenticeship is the process of learning directly from a master mentor, often seen in the arts, trades, and professions. It is relevant today because it allows for personalized, intentional learning where skills and knowledge are passed down through direct experience and guidance.

How can recognizing the human and fallible nature of mentors help in boosting one's confidence?

Recognizing that mentors are human and have their own shortcomings helps demystify the role model and boosts confidence by showing that success is attainable even with imperfections. It inspires the belief that if they can achieve success, so can anyone else with the right ambition and drive.