Finding method in madness with a Mentor

The rules of how we lead our lives are changing faster than we can anticipate. Adjusting to the ‘new normal’ has left all of us in a tizzy but it has been exceptionally chaotic for one lot – the millennials.

Millennials have suddenly been asked to grow up

Yes, since they are young, most millennial are at a lesser physical risk due to coronavirus, but every other aspect of their lives is in disarray. Sample this, they like to travel and explore the world and now the maximum distance they travel is to their nearest supermarket. This YOLO generation is suddenly required to make savings and difficult career choices. They are being forced out of their comfort zone. They can’t Zomato or Swiggy it anymore. They are learning to cook at home. Since the domestic help is not coming, they are doing all the household chores. Those who had taken refuge in their independence in single-family homes are returning to either look after their vulnerable parents or managing pockets. Their earn-and-burn policy isn’t working anymore as debts are piling up. There is no escaping this coronavirus noise; the only choice is to grow up to this new reality.

Crumbling under the pressure is a no-go

A generation that is obsessed with everything going viral doesn’t know to process the sea change of an actual virus has ushered in. Doctors and psychologist caution impact of emotional health with doubts, anger, fear and existential crisis finding a safe haven in an idle mind. Due to their inexperience and impulsiveness, the millennial tend to be clueless about how to deal with it. The situation demands that they meet someone who can put their minds at ease. They need a guide more than ever. But who can that be?

Mentors don’t preach, they teach

A true mentor teaches lessons that may seem too elemental but are of great consequences. Mentors are like scanning machines. They record you and then reveal to you to things that help you move mountains. We think mentors only as people who will give career advice. Well, that’s what career counsellors are for. A mentor does something more meaningful. They can estimate your frustration level and explains its futility. Losing a job can be quite depressing and it can fill your mind with doubts. Having constant fights with your partner can only escalate your tensions. Adjusting to the ‘new normal’ is not easy. That’s why mentors don’t preach. They share what they have practiced and what has worked for them. They are veterans who have seen both good and bad days and what they suggest comes from years of experience. Take for instance, one of the many nice things that Hollywood actor-producer ‘Viola Davis ‘said about actress and her mentor ‘Meryl Streep’ shared her own mentoring recipe inspired by Meryl. 

Mentor’s objective is mind over matter 

During the last global recession, most of the millennials were still in school and college. But today, this is their trial by fire. It will make or break their characters. And to navigate during such times, they need a mentor who can put the mentee in the right frame of mind. Someone who can listen without judgements, ask questions to seek answers, and help them become self-aware. So, dear millennials, thank you for coming to terms with the new maddening reality, and it’s your time to define your methodology, recount your resources, relaunch with rigour and find your guiding light. 

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Deeptie Sethi

Co-Founder, CompliMentors, a purpose driven platform that curates mentoring relationships

Deeptie is a skilled Communications Specialist with an international experience in Marketing Communications across U.S., Asia Pacific and India. She is a currently a communications consultant, an Educationist and an Entrepreneur. Previously, she worked as a Communications leader at Ford Motor Company and British Broadcasting Corporation and worked in the fields of Public Relations, Brand and Corporate Reputation, Media Relations, Social Advocacy, Crisis Management and Corporate Social Responsibility for more than 23 years. She continues to provide strategic counsel across industries such as automobile, mobility, fashion and hospitality in brand strategy and solutions delivering unique campaigns, user experiences, business and social impact initiatives.