What does it mean to have a coach?

I've been involved with sports and martial arts ever since I was a little kid. Over the years I've spent a fair bit of time with different coaches. And to this day, I can point to how specific individuals accelerated my growth as an athlete.

The same holds true for academia. Having experienced what a great coach can do, I took it upon me to identify academics whom I'd like to be mentored by and approached them. The work was tough, but I have no regrets.

In my experience, all the great coaches:

• have vested interest in you becoming a better version of yourself,
• have walked that path before you,
• have failed more times than you did,
• have learnt more than you did, and
• can recognise their own mistakes in your actions and demonstrate how to overcome them.

I found it to be the best investment of time and effort, and continue pursuing mentors in all fields I take great interest in.  Having a coach isn't always pleasant, but that is such a small price to pay.