Why Reinvent the Wheel When the Wheel Already Exists?

Picture this: you’re staring at a challenge that feels insurmountable. For me, it was scaling my sales team. I was spending endless hours brainstorming fresh ideas, testing new processes, and trying to come up with something revolutionary. But all I ended up with were inconsistent results, slow progress, and mounting frustration.

That’s when I realized: why am I trying to build something entirely new when others have already walked this path—and succeeded?

The Shortcut I Almost Missed

Instead of continuing to struggle alone, I decided to reach out to someone who had been in my shoes—a mentor. This person had faced the same obstacles I was grappling with. They had made mistakes, learned from them, and developed strategies that worked.

What they gave me wasn’t just advice—it was a lifeline. Their insights allowed me to avoid common pitfalls, focus my energy on what mattered, and move forward with purpose.

Mistakes You Don’t Have to Make

Here’s the thing: mistakes are a necessary part of growth, but they don’t always have to be your mistakes.

When someone shares the lessons they’ve learned through trial and error, they’re giving you a rare gift. You get to skip the missteps and head straight toward effective solutions.

In hindsight, I see now how much time and energy I saved by leaning on someone else’s experience. It wasn’t just about efficiency; it was about clarity and confidence, too.

The Beauty of Borrowing

The best part? Mentorship isn’t about copying someone else’s process step for step. It’s about taking what already exists—what’s been tested and proven—and adapting it to your unique context.

For me, that meant tailoring the advice I received to fit my team’s strengths, culture, and goals. It wasn’t about doing things their way; it was about finding our way with their guidance as a foundation.

Why the Wheel Matters

When I look back at those moments of struggle, I see them differently now. They weren’t failures—they were opportunities to learn from someone who had already invented the wheel.

And that’s the core of what mentorship is all about:

? Taking the lessons others have earned the hard way.

? Using them to accelerate your own progress.

? And building something even stronger on top of their foundation.

Roll With It

Whatever challenge you’re facing—whether it’s scaling a team, launching a new initiative, or navigating unfamiliar territory—remember: the wheel has already been invented.

You don’t have to do it all on your own. Lean on the wisdom of those who’ve been there before, adapt it to your journey, and watch how much further you can go when you’re not starting from scratch.

Because real progress isn’t about starting over—it’s about standing on the shoulders of those who’ve paved the way and daring to dream even bigger.