I can't seem to stop thinking about something I heard one of my colleagues mention in a  networking meeting this morning.

She said, "Owning a small business is so hard.  There's so much work involved.  No one told me how hard I'd have to work.  In fact, it took me about five years to build up my group of regular clientele."

The conversation evolved into a great discussion about the importance of mentors.  All of us agreed that mentors can be a very powerful tool--especially for new small business owners who are trying to gain footing.

So as I left the meeting, I began thinking about the mentors I've had in my life, and the skills and resources I've gained from working with them.  Then I asked myself a question:  Did my mentors tell me how hard I'd have to work, or how many challenges I'd have to overcome?

The answer is No.

However, as I thought about it some more I asked myself another question.  If they had told me how hard it would be, would I have continued down the same path?

Again, the answer is No.

So I ask all of you, would you rather your mentor tell you the brutal honest truth or keep things positive so you don't lose motivation?