December 31, 2020

Is there a better way to make a New Year’s resolution?

New Years Sparklers

A lot of New Year’s resolutions are about self-improvement. We set goals for weight loss, healthy eating, exercise, to stop smoking, or to improve finances. But this year, how about setting a resolution that will improve not just your life, but someone else’s life as well?

January is National Mentoring Month and is an excellent time to get started boosting your well-being. We know that people who volunteer their time get the benefits of new skills, closer relationships, and increased self-confidence. Serving others increases life satisfaction, and health and people report less depression and more meaning in life. While mentoring requires giving up a little time, we know that when people volunteer, they feel like they have more time rather than less. It’s hard to say why, but it could be that the positive feelings of mentoring create a sense of balance or a shift in perspective that reduces time pressure.

Mentoring makes a big difference. A mentoring relationship is usually between someone more experienced and someone who can use a little guidance and support. Mentored youth in Big/Brother-Big/Sister programs are 46% less likely to use drugs and 50% more likely to attend college. 76% of 4-H mentored youth report they want to attend college, compared to just 50% of non-mentored youth. Why does mentoring have such a big effect? Oprah Winfrey said, “a mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.”

Youth today face a host of challenges that can damage hope for the future. But problems and risk factors don’t tell the whole story. Prosocial opportunities at school, rewards or recognition for community involvement, religiosity, or any positive social relationship serves as protective factors that reduce risk. Mentoring is a type of protective social relationship. Mentors are encouraging and supportive. Mentoring adds a protective layer around the youth and the problems they face.

There are multiple ways to get involved in mentoring locally. Check out these agencies if you are interested:

You can also be a mentor in your community or at work. You can volunteer to coach a sports team and mentor the youth on the team. You can volunteer at a local school and mentor youth there. “Mentoring” also gets thrown around in the business world as a key to success; in fact, most of what you see online about mentoring is all about career laddering and advancement. If you have skills and some leadership level at a job, you might consider reaching out to coworkers who could use your advice to advance their careers.

As you consider a resolution that will make a difference in your life over the next year, consider mentoring. It’s a win-win.

References:

United Health Care Group. (2020). UnitedHealthcare Study Finds Americans Who Volunteer Feel Healthier and Happier. Retrieved Dec. 22, 2020 from: https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/2017/0914studydoinggoodisgoodforyou.html

Bruce, M., & Bridgeland, J. (2014). The mentoring effect: Young people’s perspectives on the outcomes and availability of mentoring. A report for MENTOR: The national mentoring partnership. Civic Enterprises. Retrieved Dec. 22, 2020