Whatever you want to achieve, there is usually someone who has blazed the trail before you. Often, however, when we start out on the journey to a new goal or career, we are tempted to invent the wheel. This means trying to go about things differently than people have done before, to feel as if we are leaving our unique mark on things. This often adds months or even years to our learning – and earning – curve, and  can also end up with a person running out of time, patience, and/or money.

Instead, we need to trust. Trust that the way has already been paved, not only by the Universe but by people who have gone ahead of us and can show us the way. If you meet a mentor, listen – really listen. Truly successful people are almost always thrilled to help someone just starting out, whatever the niche or category. Want to run a marathon? Find a veteran and ask intelligent questions. Considering starting a business? Find someone whose business model you admire and learn what you can from it.

Successful people will also invariably tell you that they themselves couldn’t have done it without their own mentors along the way. Even if you want to do something totally different than anyone has ever tried before, success itself leaves clues and many successful potential mentors will have wise words for you.

Life is too short to go it on your own and learn everything the hard way…you won’t learn nearly enough lessons nor climb enough mountains that way! Follow the clues that success leaves and move faster, more powerfully and with greater ease and many more triumphs.