Many times in life, we don’t have mentors, or there’s no one around to guide or teach us. This could be due to various reasons—like your personal reputation, your company’s image, or just a sense of privacy.
As we reach a certain stage in life, we often find it difficult to discuss our problems openly. While others might offer advice, their perspective is based on their own experiences and circumstances—which may or may not apply to us.
So what’s the strategy in such a situation?
We must learn to become our own mentor or guiding light.
Recently, I came across a TED Talk by a CEO named Kat Cole. She shared a powerful method that helped her think differently and move forward in her professional journey.
The tool she mentioned is called the “Hotshot Rule.” It became a game-changer for her career—and it can be applied by anyone: a developer, a CEO, a teacher, a father, or a mother.
The idea is simple:
Ask yourself—if someone smarter than you were to replace you tomorrow, what’s the first thing they would do?
Then—go and do that thing immediately.
When we take on a new role, we often see things with fresh eyes and act decisively. But over time—3 years, 3 months, 4 weeks later—we may lose that clarity.
This method helps us regain that fresh perspective.
Also, remember: there’s always someone smarter than you. But instead of waiting for them to replace you—why not replace your old self with a better version of you?
This approach allows us to see through someone else’s eyes—to understand the situation clearly and take meaningful action.
And action creates impact.
So how can we apply this in our lives?
- First, take full responsibility for all areas of your life.
- Then, choose one area—whether personal or professional.
- Think of the smartest person you admire as your mentor.
- Review that area through their mindset.
- Then, take the necessary actions—decisively and without delay.
