Dear Hearts:
It occurred to me this past month or so that it is imperative for each of you to be a part of a Mastermind situation. Whether it is a one-on-one relationship with a mentor or mentee, or a group--online or face to face (although, face to face is much more effective in my opinion).
What is a MasterMind?
I’m glad you asked! Webster’s Dictionary gives two separate scenarios, yet the word essentially has the same meaning:
Verb (used with object): to plan and direct (a usually complex project or activity), especially skillfully.
Noun: a person who originates or is primarily responsible for the execution of a particular idea, project, or the like.
Why is it important for me to be a part of a MasterMind relationship or group? Obviously, Dear Hearts, I cannot require you to do so. However, any project or interest you have is much better and more rich when surrounded by people of your ilk, preferably with a bit more knowledge or experience. You bring whatever talents, thought processes and accomplishments you have acquired to the table as well.
I belong to more than one MasterMind group or relationship as I have several interests. In one or two groups, I tend to fall into a higher level category of expertise. In others, I am at the bottom of the ladder. Either way, I learn, give, form relationships, formulate ideas, inspire, and receive inspiration.
How do you find MasterMind groups? I happen to travel in large social circles: symphony orchestras, musician, writer, church, and community groups--each containing voluminous populations. I tend to collect wise, experienced people in my line of work and play from this ample pool of remarkable human beings.
You can find like-minded folks online, of course. But I suggest you hang out in places where you are most likely to meet others of your calibre, interests, etc. If you are not a raging extrovert like myself, it’s still not that difficult--especially if you frequent the correct environments.
Or! . . .You can create a MasterMind one-on-one relationship or group yourself! Place an ad for a meet-up on Craigslist. Gather in a public place like a park or coffee shop, state the purpose of the meet-up, and see what happens. It’s a start.
What is the point of a MasterMind Group? How did you even find out about it?
I discovered MasterMind groups (although, I’m uncertain as to whether or not this is what it was labeled) when I visited the now museum home of the late Luther Burbank back in 2000. The docent talked about the house, Mr. Burbank’s life as a philanthropist, a botanist, horticulturist, and basically a pioneer in agricultural science.
At one point, she pointed out old photos hanging on the walls of Mr. Burbank’s friends back in the day: Henry Ford, Jack London, Thomas Edison, Helen Keller to name a few. He had famous intelligent pals all over the world who came to visit him in the states. And they would talk about ideas together. Each were in a different line of work, or belonged to respective political parties or religious and community groups. But they were friends, first and foremost, and they held one another in high regard. Their gatherings happened organically, maintaining authenticity in their respective areas of expertise and camaraderie.
The primary point of a MasterMind group - at least in my humble opinion - is to get to know one another. The closer you are, the more you share and support one another. No, it’s not a support group, per se. Although it could be. The group decides its purpose as they go forward.
Currently, I am at a point where I’m ready to do something I’ve never done before. I have embarked on new adventures several times in my life without a clue as to what I am doing and where I am headed. But this time, new behaviors and character traits are required of me. I am attracting people who have a deeper wisdom and insight into this new venture and I am Grateful for them! We seldom meet face to face, and I am fairly certain our meetings will be only for a season. But that’s the way some MasterMind groups operate.
So, Dear Hearts: Whether you are an artisan, a musician, a writer (I am of the firm belief that writers need a stable of solid wordsmiths and editors who know how to master the written word and possess a spellbinding passion for idea discussion), or a candlestick maker, find your “people” and co-create. Iron sharpens iron.
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