A week ago, I had a birthday. And the older I get, the more I realize a very important truth. As you pursue the ultimate best in your life, career and business, you must realize you can’t do it alone. You need other people to help you along the way. There are three groups of people I believe you need in your life to help you achieve your goals – mentors, coaches and cheerleaders.

Mentors are those people you know who act as a sounding board and give counsel. You may meet on a regular basis with a mentor, but usually there is not a very specific agenda. It is usually very informal and casual. A mentor should be someone who can bring their successful life experiences into your discussion. As an example, you may not want to ask a 20 year old to mentor you regarding marriage. However, they may be a great mentor regarding physical fitness.

A coach is more impartial than a mentor and has a very specific agenda. They are there to help get you from point A to point B and achieve your peak performance. A mentor gives advice and counsel on possible decisions, but a coach is one who works with you to help you achieve specific results in your life, health, relationships, career and business.

A world class athlete has mentors they use as a sounding board. They may share a cup of coffee and ask questions about their marriage, family and even if they should continue as an athlete or go another direction. A world class athlete will also have multiple coaches to help them perform better. They have a dietary coach, a fitness coach and a sport specific coach.

I personally have several great friends who are mentors in my life. They give me advice and help give direction. I also have several coaches. Dan Miller of 48 Days has been a coach to help me re-shape my business. Kent Julian is my speaking coach. Though I have been speaking for over 20 years, I still choose to have a coach. Both Dan and Kent are personal friends and continue to be my coaches as I always seek to improve how I can serve and help others achieve their goals.

I have saved the most important group of people you need for last – cheerleaders. Everyone needs cheerleaders! Cheerleaders are those who support you and encourage you as you follow your dreams and passions. A cheerleader continues to tell you, ‘You da man…You go girl…You can do it…’  I have to say I have the best cheerleader on the face of the earth – my wife! I would not achieve near what I am able to achieve without her as my cheerleader.

You seek counsel from mentors. A coach helps bring out the best in your performance. A cheerleader continually encourages you to keep going. Do you have a mentor? Do you have a coach? Do you have a cheerleader? If you don’t – get one!