Mentoring is a powerful tool in our life and it can help us grow in a number of areas. For some finding a mentor is a challenge. A few years ago I realized that there is a different type of mentoring available. I realized I could pull wisdom from people I have never met.
There are two tools I use to be mentored by people I have never met.
1) Books
We live in an incredible time where information is readily available. In my journey, I read books that are not just in my field of work but many outside of it. For example, reading a book from someone who is in a field that has crossover elements can be very helpful in your life.
Since 2010, I have increased my reading to about a book a month. I tend to read a lot on my kindle app now. I do this because I have no room on my physical book shelf anymore and I like the highlighting elements. I often take those and put them into my Evernote and it becomes searchable.
Check out books I have read this year here
I would also recommend your local library if you have one. These are hidden gems in our towns and cities that many do not take advantage of. My family started using the local library more to save money on buying books and space problems.
Books can be a great way to have a mentor without ever meeting with a mentor.
2) Podcast
When I started work in Ottawa I started listening more and more to a range of podcasts. As I would walk from here to there I would listen. At first, it was people from my field of work. Now I have increased the range of listening. I tend to favor leadership, business, and church related podcasts.
Podcasts and books need to serve as jumping off points. As you reflect upon what the authors are saying, allow that to stir thoughts about current situations and what you can and should apply.
On a side note, I started using the stitcher app which lets me listen to a range of podcasts all in one place.
Podcasts can be a great way to have a mentor without ever meeting with a mentor.
Mentoring is a powerful tool to help you grow and reach your goals. A physical person may not always be an option. Books and podcasts can be a good alternative as mentors instead of a physical mentor.
What great books have you read recently or podcast series do you follow?
In the last 5 years what books have been most influential to you?