Creative people can’t (and shouldn’t) try to go it alone.  If you want to cut the amount of time it takes to make it, then get a mentor. They can give you direction, steer you in that direction, and keep you on track and from crashing as you go donw the road that they have already driven.

Step one is to admit that you aren’t that smart and that you need help. It is best to try to get advice from those who have been there and done that.

Step two is to ask for help. Tell them about your project and let them offer to help. If they don’t, ask.

Step three is to make them proud by doing what they tell you. Let them help you. Make them look good.

Steps four and five.  Thank your mentors, often and profusely.

If you feel that you don’t need no stinkin’ mentors help, okay amigo. But at least study the masters (it’s the next best thing to studying with the masters). Success leaves clues. Read biographies, put together a time line or flow chart, ask yourself ‘What would they do if they were in my shoes?

Get different mentors for different areas you need help with. Specialists. It is great to be able to name drop. So and so is my mentor. It impresses people and gives you instant credibility.

Form a board of advisors, mastermind group, or brainstorming club, people who will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. This is easier than it sounds. You could also form a panel of imaginary mentors.  I have Joseph Campbell on my imaginary board of directors. Put up their picture on your wall along with their stories and quotes or mottoes.

Model your career after a role model. Read about them. Research them. Call them. Do what they do and you may just get the same results. Ask yourself whom they associate with. Who is their agent? What was their path and what specific steps did they take to promote themselves? Then reverse-engineer their success.

You could be a mentor. When you help others succeed they are now in your debt.

Try to land work with people you admire and aspire to be like. Mentors push you.