Mentor Moments: Three Questions That Unlock a Young Person’s Potential

Every great journey begins with a single question.

When I first sat across from a mentor years ago, he didn’t hand me a checklist—he asked, “What matters most to you today?” That simple question changed everything. Over the years, I’ve refined three go‑to questions that cut through noise, build trust, and invite action.

1. “What’s one small win you’ve had lately?”

Shifting the focus to recent victories—even tiny ones—builds confidence. When a student realizes they’ve already succeeded at something, no matter how small, momentum grows. Celebrate it with them, ask about the feelings it stirred, and watch them lean into the next challenge.

2. “If you could step into your best possible future for one hour, what would you be doing?”

This “future‑vision” question sparks imagination and purpose. Youth who feel stuck often haven’t allowed themselves to dream. By painting a vivid hour in their day‑in‑the‑life-of‑success, you give them permission to plan actionable steps—whether that’s drafting a first resume, finding a mentor, or mapping out daily habits.

3. “Who’s already cheering you on, and how can I help amplify that?”

No one achieves lasting change alone. This question uncovers their support network and highlights gaps. It also signals your commitment to collaboration—not a lecture. When you connect them with a teacher, coach, or community resource, you transform encouragement into concrete opportunity.

These three Mentor Moments have been the cornerstone of my work—from one‑on‑one coaching sessions to 5‑minute MAP videos. Try them at your next meeting and see how a few intentional queries can turn hesitation into hope, confusion into clarity, and potential into progress.

Ready to sharpen your mentoring toolkit? Hit reply and let’s explore how we can empower more young people—one question at a time.

In Jesus’ name,