Who Is Your Mentor? Where Is Your Mentor?

I could have turned out a tramp, a school dropout, or a "street-urchin" popularly known in Nigeria as "Area boy". Don’t get it wrong, I wasn’t a truant in any shape or form. Never been, and never will be. I was well raised, by my great (Pastor) parents. Nevertheless, I could have settled for less, but for God and my mentors.

Listening to Jim Rohn on my way to work this morning (Audio book: "Designing Your Life, Rather Than making a Living"), and how his relationship with John Earl Shoaff helped in his dramatic “turn-around” in life; my heart then remembered my mentors, again. 

 

As the story goes, Jim Rohn was a farm boy from Caldwell, Idaho. He went to college for a year and a half before dropping out and joining the work-force. At age 25, according to his accounts, he was working as a stock clerk for Sears collecting a weekly $57 paycheck. He wasn't broke but struggling financially, unable to see a way that would lead to his personal ambitions. Around this time, a friend invited him to a lecture given by John Earl Shoaff, an entrepreneur who impressed Rohn with his wealth, business accomplishments, charisma, and life philosophy. At that time, Shoaff was VP of Sales in a nutritional supplement company called AbundaVita. In October 1955, Rohn joined AbundaVita became a distributor of the company's product line and began a process of personal development that culminated in his becoming a millionaire by age 31.

As Sidney Poitier is to Denzel Washington (Read the “Hand to Guide Me” by Denzel Washington). As Marcheline Bertrand (Mom) was to Angelina Jolie. As Apostle Paul was to Timothy. As (his uncle) Sanusi Abdulkadir Dantata is to Alhaji Aliko Dangote. As Joe Lewis was to Tiger-Woods. As Miriam Makeba was to Yvonne Chaka Chaka. And as Batman is to Robin.

 

Who was your career mid-wife? Who gave you that old cassette, CD, Mp3, or that little book that changed your philosophy, your thinking, your paradigm, that set your sail towards a positive life? Who helped you to quit smoking? Who was that manager that never gave up on your career, inspite of your many mistakes? Who tongue-lashed you into the right path of righteousness? Who was your Chief-whip? Who taught you how to read and write? Who corrected your metaphysical notion on the concept of “Ojuju Calabar”? Who read you story books that opened up your faculties at a tender age? Who taught you how to sing, dance or cook? Who paid for your first internet browsing experience? Who bought your Jamb, waec or Neco form?

 

How can anyone ever claim to be a “Self-made millionaire”? or "self-made" anything for that matter?

“If you find a tortoise on the wall, you can bet it didn’t get there by itself”-Chinese proverb.

 

Who is your mentor? and where is your mentor today? Was it your math teacher who dramatized mathematics into your heart? Or your Chemistry lecturer who was a magician Chemist? Your Pastor who’s metaphors and deep knowledge of words steered your mind towards a positive life? Or your former boss who was more of a leader than a manager?. Who was it that gave you the midas touch? Your Dad or mom?. Where are they? Can you call them to say "Hello" and "Thank You"?

 

 

I think you should celebrate them: Especially if you're lucky they're still alive today. When was the last time you called that Super-Aunty or uncle of yours? Life is short you know.

Indeed, there are angels among us.

Today, I celebrate you my primary & secondary school teachers (Especially Mrs. Gold). My pastors (past & present). My best boss/manager/leader ever! (Mr. XoXo-Name withheld). My best Authors (Jim Rohn, Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar, Steve Covey  & J.C Maxwell).
I celebrate you all. (My siblings, uncles, auntys, in-laws, friends, colleagues, mentees, children and my great wife).

And most importantly the world’s greatest Dad: My Dad.

Thanks to everyone who ever used "kobokos" (Horse whips) on my back! Thanks to the man who let me watch my first coloured TV. Thanks to all the actors & actresses who kept their clothes on when i was a child. Thanks to every great song writer and musican that ever lived. Thanks to whoever invented "cut and paste" (You've helped my career and learning in no small way-Lol). Thanks to every great company out there, with life changing products. Thanks to everyone who ever wrote or spoke words of wisdom, insight and encouragement. Thanks mom for not flushing me down the toilet and for teaching me about "Hard-work", how to cook and how to pray.(I'll see you in heaven).

 

I celebrate you all this day. And, I hope to contribute my little quota. To make my mark for my children and my generation.  

“On my honor, I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my Country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight”- Boys Scout.

So help me God.

Leke Oshiyemi

On 3rd Mainland Bridge.
October 30, 2012