Copycat, Copycat!

"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."
-- Sir Issac Newton

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As a child, if you imitated somebody else, you were called a “copycat.” As an adult, if you imitate someone, you can be perceived as lacking originality. It has been said that imitation is the best form of flattery. So if imitation is so flattering, why does a “copycat” get a bad wrap?

I must admit, I am a “copycat.” I perfected the art of being a copycat early in my coaching career. I made it a point to observe and study successful coaches at every level. I had a journal and took lots of notes. I wrote down everything from speeches to mannerisms. I recorded strategies, styles and philosophies. I figured that if they were successful, I could be too; I just had to learn how. In order to learn the how, I needed a mentor. Someone I could watch, talk to, listen to, and ask questions. I needed to someone who could advise, direct, criticize, compliment and counsel. I was fortunate to have a mentor that was successful and so well respected that upon his retirement, school officials named the gymnasium in his honor. My mentor was my dad.

If you want to excel at something, it is wise to try and replicate the behavior of someone who has already excelled at a desired behavior. However, simply imitating the behavior is not enough. There are the intangibles qualities, such as leadership, work ethic, discipline, perseverance, and integrity to name a few. You can imitate or copy the behavior all you want; you can even eat, walk and talk like someone else, but without the intangibles, your success will be fleeting and elusive. Simply copying someone’s behavior is not enough to become successful. You must learn the intangibles. How do you learn and develop the intangible skills? You find yourself a mentor. Absorb all you can from your mentor and apply it with your own unique talents, skills, and abilities.

Many of us have identified a goal (resolution) for 2011. If you have not, make one now. Once you have clearly defined your goal, identify one person who has already been successful in that area. Step out of your comfort zone and ask the person if they would be willing to mentor you. I’m betting that they will agree to be your mentor. Most people who have obtained successful results are more than willing show others the way. Remember, imitation is the best form of flattery. Become a student and study everything about them. Don’t just copy what they have done. Ask questions. Work on developing the skills, both tangible and intangible, that your mentor tells you are critical for successful results. It is not necessary to reinvent the wheel. Rather, take advantage of the wisdom and experience of someone who has achieved success.

Just about every successful person who ever walked the face of the earth had someone who mentored them. I once heard it said, “Your mentor’s hindsight can become your foresight.” That really is something to think about!

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It’s your life: Live it, Love it, & Celebrate it
MJD