When the writer is ready the mentor appears
Rocco & Renoir teaching me about being a horse trainer!

When the writer is ready the mentor appears

When I was learning about horsemanship in my forties I started with the most accessible, closest way of learning: the local stables (run by a crazy Argentinian). I knew nothing so everything was new, exciting, challenging. I followed their frameworks and procedures, learnt their rules and techniques, picked up their foibles and faults - in between falling off and breaking my arm.

As I started to learn, and grow in confidence, my search for information and learning expanded - I went further afield. Youtube became my best friend, I sought out contrarian mentors and I bought a library of books (obvs!). I learnt new things that challenged and broadened my perspective on what horsemanship was. I found out about positive reinforcement, natural horsemanship, the beautiful idea of dancing with your horse (think strictly ballroom, not disco), and becoming their trusted partner.

I suppose I would have been happy with that level of learning, that depth of insight. I could have halted* there.

Instead, I went further into me, my own intuition and instincts, my desire to improve and be the best version of a horsey owner and trainer I could be. I developed my framework, my why, my manifesto (it had hula hoops, probably best not to ask). I didn’t do this to teach anyone else (though I ended up teaching a few people), I did it for me and my horses.

I realised this morning (“I was today years old…”) that I had to go through that journey, there was no shortcut, chatGPT couldn’t have bypassed the falling off (I wish) and I wouldn’t have the insight I have without doing things for the first time, failing, fecking up, getting back on the horse and fighting back (and swearing, I did a lot of that, in English & Spanish).

You start where you are, and then search for the right mentor or teacher. They will appear when you’re ready.

My best horsey teacher has been my big ginger ninja, Renoir.

What’s your experience with finding the right teacher or mentor?

Who (or what) taught you the most recently?

Gotta go, horses to feed and hula hoops to spin!

PS: If you’re looking for someone to not only show you the ropes* in writing and publishing your business book, but actually help you create your own way - then get in touch. I’ve got something exciting coming for you.

* see what I did there, “halt”, “show you the ropes” - lol - I make myself laugh anyway!


Emma Williams PhD

Creatively Empowering Researchers in their Careers ● Author, speaker, trainer, coach ● Coffee loving physicist

4 个月

Horses scare me but then so did writing and we fixed that ...

Abu Bakar Javed

Book Designer | Manuscript Editing Done? Reach Out for Hassle-Free Book Cover, Interior Formatting, & Publishing Experience

4 个月

The idea of combining intuition with structured learning is something I strive for in my own work. Recently, I have found that embracing mistakes and learning from them has been the most effective way to grow. Thanks for sharing your story Debbie Jenkins!

Rachel Therese Evers

Legal Counsel & Director of Legal Affairs at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) | Author of 'Your Personal Quest'

4 个月

Debs, you are my most recent fabulouso mentor and your horsey skills worked wonders on me. Just like a skilled equestrian, you helped me rein in self-doubt and imposter syndrome. With your expert handling, I stayed in the saddle, even when the journey felt rough. You steered me away from the cacophony of other voices, gently nudging me to find my own unique stride. Your mentorship was like a dressage test, refining my movements and thoughts with grace and precision. Thanks to you, I didn't just trot to the finish line—I galloped, with confidence and purpose. Writing my book became an exhilarating ride rather than a daunting race. Here's to the next adventure ! p.s. hope you like my metaphors ??

Jane Frankland

Cybersecurity Influencer | Advisor | Author | Speaker | LinkedIn Top Voice | Award-Winning Security Leader | Awards Judge | UN Women UK Delegate to the UN CSW | Recognised by Wiki & UNESCO

4 个月

So so true Debs, and just love this post. When it comes to our pets, I always say, our best teachers are our animals. When it comes to finding a mentor, I've always found that they find you. I like being a magnet for them. I covered this in my book, IN Security, which you masterfully helped me with :)

Carrie Eddins

Helping trailblazing business owners become recognised leading voices in the world by being in the press using a heart-based and intuitive approach

4 个月

Debbie Jenkins love this Debs, hula hoops you got me at that!! ????you are right of course that experience in doing things is far more valuable than any software ????

要查看或添加评论,请登录

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了