How Indirect Mentorship Can Support Your Journey

Growing up in rural Australia, I know how hard it can be to find people who share your unique interests and values. But in today’s connected world, distance doesn’t have to limit your growth. Thanks to social media, online content, and published works, you can still find mentors even if you never meet them in person. This is the beauty of indirect mentorship, or “remote mentorship through observation.”

This article will explore how following certain people, observing their methods, and learning from their journeys can provide guidance, support, and inspiration as you work towards your own goals.

Indirect mentorship is like having a mentor who guides you from a distance. This is someone you look up to, often someone who’s solving similar problems or sharing valuable insights that resonate with you. They might be authors, industry leaders, creatives, or anyone who is vocal about their experiences in a way you can learn from.

With indirect mentorship, you learn by observing their actions, reading their insights, and watching their journeys unfold through their work, social media, or public appearances. They may not even know you exist, but their wisdom and experience can help you find direction and purpose.

Indirect mentorship taps into a concept called observational learning. Originally proposed by psychologist Albert Bandura, observational learning involves gaining skills, knowledge, and behaviours by watching others. In this case, you don’t need a personal mentor to get valuable advice. By closely following someone’s public actions and words, you can learn how they think, what strategies they use, and the tacit understanding of how they handle challenges.

For example, if you’re passionate about sustainable farming in rural areas, you could follow agricultural experts online, join forums, or watch YouTube channels that discuss sustainable practices. Observing these experts’ solutions to problems in your field can give you ideas on how to tackle your own challenges.

For those in remote areas or with niche interests, finding a direct mentor who shares your unique perspective may feel impossible. But with indirect mentorship, you have access to a world of role models and guides, no matter where you live.

Indirect mentorship also allows for flexible, self-directed learning. You decide what you want to learn, and you can consume content at your own pace. Following a small, select group of people also helps you stay focused, rather than overwhelmed, by the vast amount of information available online.

Through indirect mentorship, you’re creating a bridge to your goals. Think of it as learning from a distance, like watching a skilled chef on YouTube when trying to improve your cooking. You see their techniques, their passion, and their approach, and you start to bring these into your own life. By following those who’ve faced similar challenges, you gain insights without having to learn everything through the school of hard knocks and trial and error.

For instance, if you’re interested in building a business, following a successful entrepreneur’s journey online can offer valuable lessons about resilience, strategy, and mindset. You don’t need to know them personally; their content becomes your guide.

Great mentors aren’t always famous. Local professionals can offer valuable, real-world insights. A community musician, for example, might share songwriting tips, gig preparation advice, and work-life balance strategies online.

Following such mentors gives you practical lessons from someone who understands your challenges. They also connect you to a network of like-minded people, making mentorship more personal and accessible.

As you learn and grow, consider giving back to the conversation. Just as you’re learning from others, you have insights and experiences that can help someone else. Whether through sharing your journey on social media, writing blog posts, or offering advice on forums, you become part of the knowledge pool for others to learn from. This is where your indirect mentors may even become your peers or collaborators, as you add your unique perspective to the field.

You don’t need to wait to be an expert. Often, people connect with those who are still in the process of learning, because it feels more relatable. Sharing the highs, lows, and lessons you’re picking up along the way can inspire others, just as you were inspired. This contribution makes the cycle of mentorship complete.

One of the best parts of indirect mentorship is that it doesn’t have to stay indirect. If someone’s work has impacted you, don’t hesitate to reach out to them on social media. Even though they may be busy, you might be surprised at how many people respond to genuine messages. Share what you’ve learned from their work or ask questions.

By connecting, you add a personal touch to this mentorship relationship, and sometimes even a small comment or exchange can deepen your learning and motivate you. The world of mentorship is more accessible than ever, and reaching out can bring incredible connections and unexpected opportunities.

For those in rural areas or with unique interests, indirect mentorship can be a lifeline to broader communities and new ideas. Through this self-guided journey, you can still gain knowledge, build confidence, and feel connected to others facing similar challenges. Following the paths of those you admire can give you a powerful sense of direction even if you never meet them in person.

Indirect mentorship shows that no matter where you’re from, the world’s wisdom is only a few clicks away. Start building your bridge today, contribute back to the conversation, and see how far these connections can take you.

Thank you for reading, and if you found a part of this useful. Share so it can help others.

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