Whatever it is you want to become in life, there is oftentimes someone somewhere who can serve as an example for you, someone who is currently living in the reality of your ambition. Such a person is a model. Having a role model who is like a current picture of your desired future is non-negotiable. It may be close or distant, but it is essential that you have one. It has been said that success is easier to achieve when there is a model.
Having a model gives you a vivid picture of the realities and dynamics of the success you desire. From their footprints and track record, you are able to see their trajectory and antecedents, and you begin to see valuable clues that can help you make better decisions on your own journey.
The book of Hebrews 12 from verses one to two talks about “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” So we see Jesus being portrayed as a perfect role model for our Christian walk in this passage.
What about a mentor?
A mentor is someone who leads you by the hand or walks along with you as you journey into your desired future. A mentor keeps you accountable and guides you through his or her wealth of experiences in a bid to help you avoid possible pitfalls and seize opportunities that are not so open to others. These things help to shorten your journey to your dreams.
Age doesn’t determine who should be a mentor or not, but experience does. The main value a mentor brings to the table is the experience he or she has that you do not have. Worthy of note is also the fact that a mentor in one area of your life may not necessarily be able to mentor you effectively in another area. For instance, you may have a mentor in your career life who may not necessarily have what it takes to mentor you in your spiritual life. Like I said earlier, it all boils down to the unique area the mentor is experienced in.
The relationship between the Apostle Paul and Timothy is a classic example of mentorship. Paul played a significant role in mentoring and guiding Timothy in his ministry. You can find references to this in 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy, where Paul provides guidance and encouragement to Timothy.
Is it possible to have someone who plays the role of a model and a mentor at the same time?
The answer to this question is YES! However, you must understand that mentorship requires closeness and consent for value to flow easily and sufficiently between the mentor and mentee. The mentor should recognize you as a mentee, and both of you should have some level of access to each other. A role model does not necessarily have to know you. Just knowing that the person exists and being able to learn from them from afar can be sufficient. It can be through their books, videos, media appearances, news coverage, events, etc.
However, mentorship can also be achieved over a distance if the mentor has some kind of virtual mentorship or one-on-one coaching programs that allow you to meet virtually. The key takeaways are accountability on the mentee’s end and the privilege of oversight on the mentor’s end.
Do you have a mentor or role model?
In the age that we’re in, chances are high that you’re already being influenced, inspired, and guided by someone. Whether it’s a favorite author, favorite actor or actress, a social media influencer, or a close friend and confidant, these individuals play a significant role in shaping your choices, decisions, and outcomes. The question now should be, “Are you intentional with picking your sources of inspiration and influences?”
Being intentional requires that you filter your relationships and put everyone around you into the categories to which they belong. In simple words, you should have people you listen to on specific issues or aspects of your life. You should have a filter for the voices penetrating your life. When you give people permission to influence your life, you have given them a very critical position to determine the outcomes of your life.