Influence is a worthwhile pursuit with the power to change individuals, organizations, communities, even entire civilizations.
It can, of course, be used for good or evil. And the allure of influence can be deceptive. But good people with an important message should still pursue it.
For example, I desire Becoming Minimalist to be an influential place where people are introduced to a better way of living—a way of life that removes the pursuit of material possessions and focuses on longer-lasting pursuits.
I desire to influence as many people as possible with this important truth.
Influence is a powerful, world-changing pursuit.
But it is important to be aware of its downsides.
Almost by default, influence carries the potential to change the holder. And because it does, those who possess it must regularly seek to keep their motivation in the proper place.
It is not an untold story. In fact, we know it well. A well-intentioned man or woman sets out with the purest of intentions: to make a difference and change their family, community, or world for good.
Then, something amazing happens. They actually succeed.
People are quickly impressed and attracted to their accomplishments. They begin to attract more influence. More influence begins to attract new opportunities—some healthy, some unhealthy. Temptations get stronger. And when internal motivation is not kept in alignment with healthy pursuits, trouble quickly follows.
Our motivation must be kept purely in check at all times. And all the more as our influence begins to grow.
We must constantly remind ourselves that we are not above temptation. We are just as susceptible to the pursuit of money or power or selfish desires as the next guy or gal. We are not above it. We are only human.
We must continually remind ourselves why we do what we do. Our longings are greater than money and possessions. We desire influence not as a means to achieve personal success or recognition. We desire influence motivated by love—love for others and love for a better way to live.
We must routinely evaluate our motives. This can be difficult. The slow growth of unhealthy motivation in our hearts and minds can be difficult to decipher. Often, the eyes of a friend or family member can notice them before our own. Humbly pursue the truth. Ask the hard questions of yourself and others. And remove your first defensive response to those answers.
May your influence continue to increase. May it bring about good in your homes, workplaces, and local communities. But as it does, may your motivations always be kept pure—not just for your own sake, but also for the sake of those we seek to reach.
This is probably the most difficult thing to control. I work so much to become an influencer, but my biggest fear is fall into the traps of my desires and being misled from my true way.
J. F. K. was one of the most influential people of our time. I recently compiled some of his most famous – and influential – quotes into a blog post at http://www.ahhthesimplelife.com/jfk-on-saving-our-planet/.
nicely said
I feel like I could write an entirely separate post on how this post applies to parenting, a realm of life which, for better or worse, affords more power and influence over other humans than perhaps any other.
In fact, I think I will. Thanks for the inspiration today. I’ll be sure to link to this to credit you appropriately.
I was so impressed by a blogger that I follow who simply said no to a big opportunity that came her way after her home was featured in a major magazine and her blog became quite popular through that exposure. I am sure that it was a very big decision for her family of 5, who would have nicely profited from this opportunity, but she was able to stand back and look at her life and see the value of what she had built, and decline the offer. That takes core strength. That takes living your ideals. Living one’s own life is far different than desiring to influence others, no matter how altruistic it seems. Your post spoke to me about being ever vigilant that ego doesn’t sneak in and change one’s ideals.
“Ask the hard questions of yourself and others. And remove your first defensive response to those answers.” Words of wisdom. :)
Thanks for reminding us. “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” Romans 12:3 (NKJV)
Thanks for spotlighting this.