My pastor used to tell me, “Whenever you see a turtle sitting on top of a fence post, you know he didn’t get there by himself” as a humorous way of reminding me that we all need people around us to motivate, teach, correct, and be an example to us.
I know this is certainly true of my life. There are so many people close to me who have helped mentor me throughout the different stages of my life. However, there is one great fact that many people don’t realize about mentorship; a mentor can be someone you’ve never met!
Long-distance mentors are people who you’ve observed, learned from, perhaps read their books and listened to their podcasts/tapes/cd’s, but have never spent personal time with.
Here’s a few things you need from a Long-Distance mentor:
Person of exceptional accomplishment. If you’re going to immulate and learn from a leader, why would you choose to do so from an average leader? Yet many people do. Instead, immulate exceptional people. Those who’ve accomplished great things, helped others, lived a life full of integrity and accomplishment. I’ve learned a lot from people like Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, Bill Hybels, John Maxwell, and more even though I’ve never met any of them.
Person of Exceptional Integrity. Scripture cautions us not to immulate those who are quick to anger and pursue foolishness. When I was in my teenage years, I’m sure I modeled some of my behavior after pop-culture icons who weren’t worthy of immulation. Now I want to follow those who are trying to live their life with unusual spiritual strength and I try to learn from their spiritual journey. Be careful who you immulate!
People of Strength. Dont’ misunderstand, I’m not talking about physical strength, I’m not even talking about internal strength. What I’m suggesting is that you take only the STRENGTH of the long-distance mentor, and discard the rest. What’s the point of making all the same mistakes that they have made? Instead, focus on what they are good at, really good at, and then learn from those things. Find people of great strengths, who know what their focus, purpose and gifts are, and do likewise.
Have you found that long-distance mentors have been helpful in your life? Let me know a few of those who’ve inspired you?
David Curry
