We Start By Echoing Those Who Taught Us

A young preacher, anxious after being told he sounded just like his mentor. Seeking clarity, he turned to his older, wiser counterpart. The seasoned preacher chuckled at the notion and reassured him. “We all start by echoing those who taught us,” he explained. “Your voice will naturally evolve as you grow and learn. Your task now is to immerse yourself in study, prayer, and practice. Your originality will emerge in due time, just as it did for every preacher before you.” It is completely normal to feel pressured to be unique and original from the start. However, this is unnecessary pressure. Everyone starts by copying and imitating someone else.

The most important thing you need to do is define your mission. What exactly are you hoping to accomplish here? What specific problem would you like to solve? Over time, seven mountains of influence have been identified and documented; which one would you like to climb? Are you interested in business, arts/entertainment, media, government, family, education, or religion? Simply choose the one that resonates most with your soul and get started. As you pray, study, think, and meditate, your mission becomes more clear. Embrace the journey of growth and development, knowing that your authenticity will naturally emerge as you continue to watch your world as best you can.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 reminds us that there is nothing new under the Sun. Everything you’re doing now, and everything you’ll ever do, has been tried before, with varying degrees of success. If you want to succeed in life, start by looking for the most successful ideas that align with your mission and copying them. If your mission is related to education, you do not need to pray or fast before deciding to work in a school. Stop wasting valuable time and research the most successful people and organizations that align with your mission. Then copy.