Dare To Ask
Happy Halloween!
Written by Mikey Lee
Alright, hear me out—what if the Captain of the Titanic had just asked for advice? I know, the idea of stopping for directions might make some clutch their beers in horror, but imagine the difference it could have made. According to several accounts during the Titanic’s final days, Captain Edward Smith ignored at least seven warnings about iceberg sightings in the area, operating under the assumption that the ship could not founder due to its design.
If he had stopped to ask a physicist (which I’m sure there had to be at least one on board), they could have explained that a massive metal-plated ship + small rudder + max speed (which White Star Line prioritized above all else to ensure their ships reached their destination on time) = a not-so-easy-to-steer ship. By asking questions, he might have avoided that iceberg, 1,517 people wouldn’t have lost their lives, Rose and Jack wouldn’t have needed to share a wood board in the middle of the Atlantic, and James Cameron would be out a $2.3 billion box office hit.
In our own lives, we face our own 'icebergs'—challenges that seem insurmountable. And just like Captain Smith, we might avoid disaster if we stop to seek advice. Occasionally, we need someone to help us reach that better version of ourselves. No matter our talents, skillsets, or experience levels, there are times when we feel like we’re trying to cram a crumpled dollar bill into a vending machine, unable to understand why it’s not working. That’s where mentors come in—to show us what we’re missing so that we can course correct and move past those moments of stagnation.
A mentor can be a game-changer, both in your career and personal life. They offer perspective, helping you see problems in a new light, and their experience can save you from costly mistakes. Most importantly, by sharing similar stories, they can empathize with you and remind you that you’re not the first, nor the last, to encounter these problems. Building a relationship with a mentor can be tremendously beneficial as it motivates you to figure out where you are in life, where you want to go, and who you want to become.
But remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mentors. You need to consider factors beyond their knowledge and experience. In the filmmaking industry, how do they conduct themselves on set? Do they treat everyone as equals or do they demoralize them? Do they give back to the community? Do they conduct business equitably and ethically? These personal, emotional, and behavioral attributes should be considered, not just their career achievements. Find someone who has charted a path in life that you would like to emulate in your own way. And there may be times when your instincts disagree with your mentor’s advice, and that’s totally fine. We’re all human and bound to make mistakes (except the creators of the original Avatar: The Last Airbender series—that’s pure mastery of animated storytelling). Sometimes one person’s experiences or perspectives do not translate to another’s, and it’s okay to acknowledge this whenever it comes up.
So next time you feel like you're heading straight for an iceberg, remember Captain Smith. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mentor, coach, or friend to help steer you back on course. You won’t regret it.
