To celebrate National Cinema Day, and as a reward for a successful first day at senior school, Louise and I took our son to the cinema in Newark to see the latest Minion’s film. There are no significant spoilers in the blog, other than premise of mentoring, vision, and success – a theme which is evident throughout the film.
To be honest, I felt the style of humour only had a short shelf-life of one, or possibly two films but clearly, for many, the appeal is still evident as the cinema was full. The narrative of having positive influences around you seems to provide a real feel-good atmosphere and the film has a great subplot toward the need for and importance of self-belief.
Self-belief, or rather lack of it, is a theme we work with a lot. It affects young people and adults alike. When knocked, it is easy to disregard your dream; this where The Rise of Gru delivers a ten out of ten message – believe in yourself and don’t give up. Often in a counselling session, when a client discusses their belief system, they need some positive support. Validation goes a long way and allows the client to recognise that their vision has a place in their mindset, it provides a purpose and helps to identify short, medium, and long-term goals. Without a dream, a goal, or a purpose, people just drift as there is nothing to work toward.
It takes confidence to drive values forward and often, clients will claim they have little or no confidence because they are not very good at things. At this point in a relationship, I encourage the client to drill down confidence. Self-confidence is how we believe in ourselves. Confidence to do something specific comes with experience. Of course, a counsellor can support a client with self-confidence, but if a client is training to become an airline pilot, we – for sure – are not able to provide the ‘on the job’ support that they will find useful. This is where having a mentor will help mental growth.
Gru, never gave up. He had a vision, but people laughed at his foresight, so he found a mentor – someone who could help him hone his craft. Having a counsellor to off-load to, help tidy up the uncertainties and put together a plan will be very empowering; it will lead to new ways of thinking, new values, and authenticity. It is vital to know that during a counselling session you will not be judged, or pushed toward unwanted outcomes. A mentor, particularly someone who has experience of the areas of focus you require is invaluable. They will have been in your situation; they will have experienced the challenges you will be faced with and can provide the technical details you require to succeed.
Maybe the time has come to share your skills and thoughts with people who are still trying to find their path. Next week, we will be returning to schools in the region to provide in-school counselling. Each of the three schools we work in has a buddy system and this can be vital at this time of year when new year seven students are getting to know how their school operates. Year sevens can speak to an older student who remembers the anxieties and fears of being a new pupil. This idea of teaming new in-takes with seasoned people works well in a professional setting, but if mentoring is not immediately available and you are looking to increase your confidence and skill set, we encourage you to reach out to people who are more senior to you. That takes confidence, but also shows a level of enthusiasm and a willingness to move forward – and who can argue with that?
If you are looking to make a change in your life, whether personally or professionally, Active Listening Therapies can help. We will put you in the heart of the conversation, allowing you time and space to make sense of the thoughts you are having. We can apply elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy to review the evidence, overcome any objections you are faced with and position you to be able to confidently plan and act.
Alternatively, you can place an advert in the local press for an assistant and wait for three minions to arrive. This will only work if you have a large enough basement which you plan to turn into a secret lair and enough funds for regular banana deliveries… You may find calling us is the more stress-free option!
If you would like to discuss how we can help you, leave your details on the contact page and we’ll get back to you.