We live in a culture that glorifies the self-made man. We admire the lone wolf, the fighter who pulls himself up by his bootstraps, the story of someone who went from nothing to something all on their own. But here’s the truth no one likes to admit: no one who has ever achieved greatness did it completely alone.
Behind every world-changer is someone who believed in them, guided them, and pushed them further than they thought they could go. That person is called a mentor.
Even the “Self-Made” Needed Help
We love the idea of the “self-made” millionaire or entrepreneur, but when you look closer, their stories all have a moment of desperation where help arrived.
- Henry Heinz — Before ketchup made him famous, Heinz went bankrupt in 1875. He was at rock bottom, but a local bank still gave him one last loan. Without that moment of belief from someone else, there would be no Heinz brand today.
- H.B. Reese — The man behind Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups was drowning in unpaid bills and was on the verge of arrest. Milton Hershey stepped in, offered him a branch operation under Hershey Chocolate, and the Reese’s empire was born. Without Hershey’s hand up, Reese might have faded into obscurity.
- Walt Disney — Before Mickey Mouse, Disney’s first animation studio went bankrupt. He was rejected by bankers and investors again and again until one finally took a chance on his crazy idea. That “yes” changed entertainment history.
- Oprah Winfrey — Fired from her first TV job and told she “wasn’t fit for television,” Oprah was given another opportunity by a local station manager who believed in her potential. That single act of mentorship and faith gave her the platform that launched her global influence.
These stories remind us: sometimes it’s timing, sometimes it’s forced luck, but more often than not, it’s someone else’s belief that bridges the gap between failure and greatness.
Mentorship in Everyday Life
Think about it: children can’t grow without parents and teachers. Athletes don’t reach championships without coaches. Soldiers don’t become leaders without instructors. Yet when it comes to our personal lives, our careers, our spiritual walk, our relationships, many of us try to go it alone.
Why? Because asking for help feels like weakness. But in reality, seeking out mentorship is one of the strongest, wisest choices you can make.
What a Mentor Really Does
A mentor doesn’t exist to make you dependent on them. Their job is to equip, inspire, and release you into your full potential.
Here are four ways a mentor can transform your journey:
- They See What You Can’t
We all have blind spots, weaknesses or habits we don’t recognize in ourselves. A mentor brings clarity, gently pointing out what needs to change so you don’t stay stuck. - They Pass Down Wisdom, Not Just Knowledge
Information is everywhere. You can Google answers, read books, and take classes. But wisdom comes from someone who’s lived it, failed, and figured it out. That’s what a mentor gives you, the shortcut through their scars. - They Challenge You to Dream Bigger
Sometimes the greatest limitation isn’t your skill, it’s your vision. A mentor pulls you out of small thinking and expands your sense of what’s possible. - They Hold You Accountable
Anyone can set a goal. Few people follow through. A mentor doesn’t just cheer you on; they remind you of your “why” when you’re ready to quit.
Biblical Examples of Mentorship
The Bible is filled with stories of mentorship:
- Moses and Joshua — Joshua didn’t just inherit leadership, he was trained in the presence of Moses.
- Naomi and Ruth — Naomi’s guidance shaped Ruth’s choices, leading to her place in the lineage of Christ.
- Paul and Timothy — Paul didn’t just preach; he poured into Timothy, reminding him to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6).
- Even Jesus with His disciples — The Son of God could have done it all Himself, but He chose to spend three years mentoring a small group of men who would carry His message forward.
If mentorship wasn’t important, Scripture wouldn’t model it again and again.
How Mentorship Unlocks Transformation
In my book Finding Your Transformative Life, I write about the journey to peace, love, and wealth. Those aren’t just material goals, they’re states of being that require growth and guidance.
The reality is, transformation doesn’t come by accident. It comes when you place yourself under the guidance of someone who’s walked further down the path. A mentor can look at your life and say:
- “This habit will derail you unless you fix it now.”
- “You’re settling too low, reach higher.”
- “Don’t give up. You’re closer than you think.”
Those words, spoken at the right time, can change the entire course of your life.
Finding the Right Mentor
Not every mentor will be the right one for you. Here’s what to look for:
- Character over charisma. Choose someone whose life reflects the values you want, not just someone who talks well.
- Experience, not just theory. A mentor doesn’t need to be perfect, but they should have walked through the battles you’re about to face.
- Willingness to invest. The best mentors genuinely want to see you succeed, not for their benefit, but for yours.
And remember, sometimes mentors are found in books, sermons, or even from a distance. You don’t always need face-to-face meetings. What matters is placing yourself under teaching that stretches and shapes you.
Don’t Wait, Seek Guidance Now
The question isn’t “Do I need a mentor?” The question is “Who am I allowing to mentor me?”
If you’re trying to do life alone, you’re carrying a weight you don’t have to bear. You were never designed to figure everything out yourself. Transformation is not a solo climb; it’s a guided ascent.
As Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Final Thought
No one becomes great without guidance. If you want to unlock your best life, in peace, in love, in wealth, you need voices ahead of you to pull you higher. Don’t let pride or fear keep you stuck. Find your mentor, lean into their wisdom, and step into the greatness God has placed in you.
And if you want a roadmap for that journey, dive into Finding Your Transformative Life. In its pages, you’ll find principles that can act as a mentor in written form, guiding you toward the life you were created to live.
Troy P Zehnder 