If you are not getting the results that you know you are capable of, it might be time for you to find a role model if not a mentor to guide and support you in developing your A-game. The term mentor originates in Greek mythology with Odysseus and his travels. In his absence, he left a wise old man—his name was Mentor–to look after the kingdom. Mentor did such a fine job that his name became associated with wisdom and guidance. Of course, role models are also important to people looking for guidance. You might identify an expert whose life, story and strategy for getting desired results is in a book and with whom you have no relationship, however the “how to” is still strong. A mentor on the other hand is a role model and what’s best is that you have a personal connection as well. All across history people have been influenced by role models, some negative and some positive. A role model can be from the past or the present, from fact or fiction, and you can follow their example using their story as a pattern of what to do. Mentors are actually available and provide individual guidance and interaction. You gain the power of possibilities by identifying with your role model/mentor. Once you learn about the role model/mentor, both strengths and weaknesses, they then become real and human.

People with the same goals often think alike and usually have many similarities. William James once wrote: “… if you want a habit – act like you have it. The Central Nervous System can’t distinguish from real experiences and strongly imagined ones. Acting as if has remarkable powers.” Today, a common cliché is “Fake it ‘til you make it.” The only difference between you and great achievers is that they put forth a disciplined effort. With the same effort and a strong strategy to follow, you can achieve the same level of success. As you emulate your role model while working toward your goal, you are like a child playing dress up. Every time you imitate the successful behavior, it becomes more and more a part of you. Actors spend months studying a part before they play it, but when they know it, they are completely believable.

When first looking for role models and mentors, consult books, films and biographies with the understanding of your purpose to identify strategies for successful trading. Ask yourself questions, such as:

• What do I need to do?
• What do I need to learn?
• What actions do I need to take?
• Did the subject achieve the results that I want?

Your mentor will have faults; this is the nature of being human. Actually, mistakes bring the two of you closer by making your mentor ‘real’. If imperfect people can do it, so can you. Most great artists and performers still become jittery and anxious when confronted with their idol, even though they may have surpassed them in achievement.

Most achievers draw inspiration and strategy from role models and mentors. As the story of the role model and mentor unfolds, a pattern begins to form: the role model’s thinking, style and action can be emulated. By following this pattern you can begin to rate your own strengths and weaknesses. You must learn what you don’t know first, both about you and about what is necessary to trade successfully. With time, you begin to use this deeper self-understanding a part of your own personality. You develop an emotional belief that you can do it, just like your mentor did.

Role models and mentors can be extremely valuable in supporting the development of your A-Game. Strategies must not only be identified in your mechanical data (information that is directly or indirectly related to the markets), strategies must also be identified in your internal data (thoughts, emotions and behavior, which are often unconscious) for how to manage and focus on what matters most in the trade. Whether you are using a long deceased expert from your favorite book, or a high achieving colleague with whom you have a strong relationship, role models and mentors hold valuable keys to your trading strengths and getting the results that you want.