The Value of a Mentor

 

By Andrea Merrell

Here is a question that someone recently asked: “Do I really need a mentor, and what is their value?”

While many think writers live a lonely, solitary life—and make millions of dollars—sitting at their computer or with pen and paper in hand, we all need people in our lives who can encourage us along the way—especially those who have walked that long path before us. An old Chinese proverb says, “To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.”

The writing and publishing industry can be intimidating and even a bit scary, particularly for those just beginning the journey. It’s like breaking new ground and entering into the unknown. This is why drawing from the experience of others who have gone before us can be a great benefit.

No one needs to go it alone. We need others to guide us. To encourage us. To keep us pointed in the right direction. To refuse to let us abandon our calling. Those who possess wisdom and understanding. Those who can answer questions and help us solve problems as we learn from both their successes and failures. Those who can easily open our eyes to opportunities we might otherwise miss.

So, how do we choose a mentor? The Word for You Today give us some sound advice:

Good mentors provide friendship and support, unselfishly working to help you reach your potential. Knowledge without support is strife. Advice without friendship feels cold. Candor without care is harsh. But when you are being helped by a person who cares for you, it is emotionally fulfilling. Development comes from both the head and the heart And only caring people are glad to share both with you.

The mentors you take advice from help to shape you. If you spend your time with people who subtract from you, who belittle or undervalue you, then every step forward you attempt to take will be difficult. But if you find wise leaders, good role models, and positive friends, you will find that they speed you on your journey. It’s hard to improve when you have no one but yourself to follow.

A good mentor can be of great value in our writing career, so choose wisely. And always be open to the possibility that God just might be calling you to be that wise and caring mentor for someone else.

Photo by KOBU Agency on Unsplash