How do I deserve a mentor?
“The surest way to get what you want in life is to deserve what you want”
Charlie Munger
Throughout my investing career I have come across many great investors recommending having a mentor is important. But my career is in its infancy and my ability to add value to someone’s life who is more knowledgeable than myself seems improbable. Therefore, must I add value in a different way. Do I offer my help in relieving my mentor of tedious tasks to support his efforts? It seems that this is a chicken or egg situation.
If I follow Mr. Mungers advise I need to be able to deserve having a mentor. How do I go about doing that? Mohnish Pabrai wisely stated that he only lets people into his inner circle if they can add value to his life. This is wise because it creates an environment in which he can always improve. But if everyone follows this approach how can a newcomer such as me ever gain access to the inner circle of a possible mentor? What can I add to someone’s life who cannot gain value from my knowledge in investing? What could I offer that makes me deserve a mentor?
I hope that you can shed some light on this conundrum I find myself in. I am passionate, dedicated and committed, but what can I offer someone for me to deserve their mentorship?