“You don’t have to be a ‘person of influence’ to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they’ve taught me.” —Scott Adams
Our lives matter. This is indeed life-giving news to each of us.
We all want to live lives of significance—lives that make a difference in the world around us. We were designed to live for something greater than ourselves. And each of us were born with an ingrained desire to accomplish that.
As a result, our world cares deeply about influence. We pay for it, fight for it, and study how to get more of it. Our world measures it, ranks it, and ascribes it to people for foolish reasons. But in our constant struggle to attain influence, we often miss out on one very important truth:
We already have it! Each of us is already an influencer of others.
To live is to influence. Whenever and wherever our lives interact with others (at home, at work, on-line, or in our community), we have influence. We change lives. We affect people every single day with the words we say, the looks on our face, the actions we choose, and the decisions we make.
It would be wise for us to stop always asking how to acquire more and instead, start asking what to do with the influence we already have.
The interactions we have in this world offer both a great and challenging opportunity. They can be positive or negative. They can add value to the lives of others or they can take value away. Our opportunity for influence can become an important agent for change or it can further cement the status quo. It can make our world a better place to be or a crummier place to endure. There are no neutral contributors in this world.
Every day, whether we interact with 5 people, 50 people, or 500, our lives matter and produce a ripple effect that extends far beyond us. Let’s model integrity, celebrate growth, encourage strength, and push for positive change.
If we’re not doing well with the influence we already have, why do we think the world would benefit if we had more? (tweet that)
Ruth says
A great article Joshua. Sometimes we have to decide whether we want to be in the acquirer’s camp or the contributors camp. It requires us to live intentionally with thought put into our actions if we want to be contributors. That said, we must select one job and do it well – not try to stretch ourselves too thinly.
Danie Botha says
Refreshing perspective and a reminder of our daily reality – we are influencers every single minute we interact with people – every single one!
Myself, often assuming one needs a special platform and status to have influence – such as being President, CEO, famous author etc. Thinking back over the interactions I had today – how much joy, hope, inspiration did I leave in my wake?
Step 1: starts with awareness. Step 2: Decision Step 3: Action.
I can learn to give every person I encounter a genuine, warm smile – everyone! Especially the sour ones. Amazing the effect! I can decide not to condemn, and rather listen well. That’s but the beginning.
Great post, Joshua!
Victoria says
The subtle influences are the most powerful, which is frightening and empowering. This is servant-leadership at its core! Leading and influencing by doing, rather than preaching.
Thank you for this reminder.
May says
Most of the time we need visible results of change/ influence to get motivated, but it’s okay to just be aware that things push each other in a natural way. It’s okay to be anonymous in this ripple effect influence game :)
Lynnette says
“There are no neutral contributors in this world…” What a profound statement! We are either influencing for good or we are not, but we are exercising our influence either way. I know that most of the people who have made the biggest impact on my life have been simple, humble, people who lift others without calling attention to themselves. They have shown me that one person can make a big difference. Maybe we all won’t be able to reach the masses, but we can all reach somebody and, over time, many people. Thanks for the inspiring food for thought.
Angela @ Setting My Intention says
I often think of this with my children, who unfortunately or fortunately, are privy to all of my moods. It’s a relief to me that I can be an influencer in asking for forgiveness as well.
Tony Martorano says
How do we model this behavior and still avoid being taken advantage of?
kariane says
Yes! My everyday life and actions influence those I interact with and love the most. I see this when I watch my boys interact with the world around them. It’s both incredibly empowering and very humbling.
Jen B says
Thanks for this great reminder. I’m a middle school teacher and we start back to school next week. The kids are sorely in need of good people who care about them. It is actually kind of daunting when you step back and look at the opportunity/responsibility to be an influential person in the life of so many kids. Like Karolina said, we can unintentionally be a bad influence for someone too. “Every day, whether we interact with 5 people, 50 people, or 500, our lives matter and produce a ripple effect that extends far beyond us. Let’s model integrity, celebrate growth, encourage strength, and push for positive change.”
Janice says
WOW. Simple profound truths. we ALL need this reminder. Thank you Josh.