Questions of Life: Who Has Been There?

“Learning from people who are ahead of you is a key ingredient for achieving your personal success.”

In every junior-senior relationship in school, there is often a tradition where a junior seeks guidance from a senior, commonly known as a “school father” or “school mother.” The idea is simple: the senior helps the junior navigate the complexities of their first year, offering advice, direction, and support.

I had a school mother, but no father. This mentorship tradition is invaluable, as it prepares the junior for independence by the second year. Learning from someone ahead of you in life is a crucial step toward personal growth and success.

One of the best biblical examples of mentorship is the relationship between Apostle Paul and Barnabas. Although Barnabas is not as prominently featured in the Bible, he played a key role in Paul’s development. Barnabas took Paul under his wing, teaching him the foundations of ministry.

Through this mentorship, Paul went on to achieve monumental success, writing three-quarters of the New Testament, planting churches across various regions, preaching the gospel globally, and raising new leaders. It’s likely that Paul was deeply inspired by Barnabas’s commitment, which shaped his own approach to leadership and ministry.

As you reflect on your journey, consider this: Who is your portrait of success, leadership, and influence? Whose life do you admire? These are critical questions in charting your personal path forward. Whether it’s in your career, personal development, or relationships, you need to identify individuals who have already walked the path you aspire to follow.

Finding a mentor who has faced and overcome the challenges you’re currently navigating can make all the difference. The wisdom of those who have been there before is invaluable, and their insights can help you avoid pitfalls and make informed decisions.

As an African proverb wisely says, “If the crocodile comes out of the water and says there are snakes, believe it.” In other words, trust the advice of those who have faced the struggles you’re about to encounter. Their experiences serve as a roadmap for your journey.

Action Plan: Identify one or two mentors who have successfully navigated the path you want to take, and actively seek their guidance in key areas of your life.