The Most Powerful Way To Be Influential

"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

Quotes are such powerful directors of thought. They have the ability to condense big and complex ideas or concepts into short, snappy phrases that cut straight through to the simple truth of things.

One of the quotes that has had the most profound and lasting effect on me comes from Gandhi. He said "You must be the change you wish to see in the world". This simple philosophy was the corner stone of “Satyagraha” (Truth-Force), the peaceful resistance Gandhi and his followers employed to bring an end the oppressive British rule in India.

When I heard this for the first time I experienced a massive light bulb moment. Everything I had been seeking to learn about how to positively influence the world around me suddenly came together in flash of clarity. That instant I realised that in order for things around me to get better, I was going to have to get better.

This is what getting better meant to me:

* If I want others to be kind and considered towards me.... I must proactively demonstrate kindness and consideration towards them

* If I want them to be motivated... I must show them I am motivated

* If I want to be wealthy... I must give my heartfelt warm wishes to those who are already wealthy (there is no room for hidden jealousy)

* If I want to attract love into my life... I must be the embodiment of love

* If I want there to be harmony in the world... I must live harmoniously

* If I want to be appreciated... I must share

* If I want to be heard... I must listen

* If I want to receive... I must give

Like attracts like. Nothing in your life will improve by making mental lists of everything that is wrong with the world (or the people in it). The most powerful influencing tool you possess is your ability to be the example of what you desire there to be more of.

People only respond to you in ways that are consistent with the manner in which you present yourself to them. If you make a change in yourself, they have to change also to accommodate the difference they experience from you. That is the nature of human interaction – it’s a timeless and reliable universal law.

You will rarely be able to make someone see your point of view by arguing with theirs. If you want them to understand you, then seek first to understand them. Look for the common ground, because somewhere along the line there is a truth you can both agree on.

Peace will never be achieved through war. Like Gandhi, Mother Teresa always refused to take part in anti-war marches, requesting that they should let her know as and when they decide to walk for peace. This distinction is critical.

Think about the situations and people in your own life. What would BEING the change you wish to see in the world mean for you?

What do you need to be doing or believing that will cause the world to respond more favorably towards you?

Take great care. Namaste.

Paul