I've been blessed to have some wonderful leaders, teachers and mentors.
These individuals have made an indelible impact on me. I will be forever grateful for the role each of them have played in my life.
I’m often asked about these people through a series of questions like:
- Can you name a leader who challenged you the most?
- Is there a mentor whose insight impacted your career?
- Is there a teacher you remember most based on what they taught you?
However, the one question that I'm seldom asked is, "Who are your virtual mentors?"
This is an important question, because virtual mentors can be dead or alive, yet they have the capacity to mentor an infinite number of people through their writings, teachings, speeches, ideals, etc.
I can disclose the name of a leader, teacher or mentor that has made a positive impact in my life, but it’s very unlikely everyone who reads this post will get an opportunity to interact with one of these amazing people.
However, if I share the names of my virtual mentors, all of you can benefit from the lessons these mentors have provided or continue to provide.
Here are 5 wonderful people I have made my virtual mentors, along with a brief synopsis of the lessons they have taught me:
1. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Born: 1/15/1929 - Assassinated: 4/4/1968)
There are a plethora of reasons why Dr. King is on this list. The main reason I would like to highlight, is Dr. King’s commitment to his dream. A commitment that he made in the face of fear compounded by what seemed to be impossible. Dr. King is often the virtual mentor who reminds me that my dreams are possible, fear can be overcome and my success is hinged solely on my commitment to that dream.
The Ultimate Lesson: People follow dreams not strategies.
2. Napoleon Hill (Born: 10/26/1883 - Died: 11/8/1970)
Mr. Hill is widely considered to be one of the first self-improvement authors and greatest writers on success. I wholeheartedly concur. One of the first books a mentor of mine recommended shortly after I entered the workforce was, “Think and Grow Rich”. Since reading this book over a decade ago, I have read the book cover to cover, over seven times. Mr. Hill becomes a powerful virtual mentor every time I open the pages of this book.
The Ultimate Lesson: Every man/woman should have a clear and definite purpose, by which every thing else in life is aligned.
3. President Barack Obama (Born: 8/4/1961 - )
Whether you agree with President Obama’s administration and policies, should not dictate your ability to learn a powerful lesson from this man. How does a one term, African-American senator from Chicago, Illinois become the President of the United States?
Simply because he believed he could.
People will always tell you what’s unreasonable, but what defines greatness is ignoring the unreasonable impossibility and making the unreasonable happen!
The Ultimate Lesson: Others will see you as no more than you see yourself.
4. Seth Godin (Born: 7/10/1960 - )
Mr. Godin is an author of 17 books, a blogger, and thought leaders on the post-industrial revolution. His virtual mentorship is what provided me the inspiration to make the very first blog post here on www.inspirationalperspective.com
Mr. Godin’s provides practical messaging to leaders and entrepreneurs that challenges the status quo we all typically get stuck in from time to time.
The Ultimate Lesson: Create a product that stands out, then ship it!
5. Muhammad Ali (Born: 1/17/1942 - )
This is a man who proved that human will can overpower and defeat human strength. We refer to Muhammad Ali as the greatest of all time, not because he was the biggest or the strongest boxer in the ring, but rather because he relentlessly imposed his will on his opponents. Ali has taught me to rely on my will when my physical body feels depleted.
The Ultimate Lesson: Do the impossible! Dare to be great!
Although I have never met any of these men, they have all had a tremendous impact on my life. My virtual mentors have helped me stretch myself and take on new ways of thinking.
Who are the virtual mentors that have changed your life?
What has been their ultimate lessons?
I would love to know. Please share…
…and stay inspired, it’s a lifestyle choice!
About the Author:
Linal Harris
Global Entrepreneur - Certified Life Coach - Media Personality - Speaker
Linal Harris is a global entrepreneur, certified life coach, author, and media personality. As the founder of Inspirational Perspective® Publishing, LLC and Insights 4 Life™ Coaching, LLC, Harris challenges his global audience and coaching clients to Murder Mediocrity® and live their best life possible. Harris concentrates his work as an ontological coach with clients on what he calls the 4 pillars of life; the relationship we have to ourselves, the relationships we have with others, our relationship to work and money, and the connection we have to our spirit and life's purpose. Harris coaches CEO's, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes and celebrities. Harris is the author of "Slay Your Goals”, where he provides his readers with scientific and research backed tips for achieving their goals. Harris is an expert goal-setter and has been called upon by Fortune 500 companies to assist with setting their strategic priorities, facilitate goal-setting sessions and provide inspirational talks.
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