The Challenge of Cultivating Positive Influence

By Matthew Renz

In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, the power of positive influence can be a beacon of light, guiding us towards a better future. The challenge before us is to seek not only to be a positive influence on others but also to be a positive influence on ourselves. This journey begins with acknowledging the profound impact our words and actions can have on those around us.

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide 

what kind of difference you want to make.” 

– Jane Goodall

It’s important to recognize and utilize our positive influence to achieve our full potential and lead a fulfilling life. Neglecting to harness our positive influence can have many negative consequences such as: Stagnation, Underachievement and Decreased Self-Esteem.

Be a Positive Influence on Others

To be a positive influence on others, we need to harness our talents and skills to uplift those we encounter daily. We can achieve this by adopting various strategies:

> Encouragement: Offer genuine compliments, appreciation, and thankfulness to those around you. A simple word of encouragement can brighten someone’s day and boost their self-esteem.

> Assistance: Extend a helping hand when others are in need. By assisting those around us, we contribute to their well-being and success.

> Empowerment: Empower people with information, knowledge, and opportunities that can lead them to personal growth and achievement.

> Promotion: Actively promote the strengths and talents of others. Recognize and celebrate their achievements to boost their confidence.

> Building up: Contribute to the personal and professional growth of individuals by providing guidance and support.

Be a Positive Influence on Yourself

It is equally important to be a positive influence on ourselves. To do so, we must cultivate a mindset of self-empowerment and self-worth. Here is how:

> Positive Self-Talk: Avoid self-deprecating language or thoughts. Instead, speak positively about your accomplishments, talents, skills, and character traits. Self-doubt and negative self-talk can hinder personal growth.

> Define Yourself Positively: Reflect on how you perceive yourself. Choose words and phrases that align with the person you aspire to be. Shift your self-image to one that is confident, capable, and limitless.

> Reflect on Your Potential: Spend time in quiet solitude to reflect on the person you wish to become. Make an appointment with yourself to contemplate “the me I want to be.” This practice can help you focus your efforts on what truly matters to you.

> Weekly Self-Reflection: Dedicate at least fifteen minutes a week to sit quietly and reflect on your desired character, traits, abilities, and goals. This practice enables you to reaffirm your commitment to personal growth.

Seek External Sources of Affirmation and Encouragement

Receiving positive influence from others is essential in generating your own positive influence. Seek inspiration from external sources to bolster your strength and confidence. Here is how:

> Build Positive Relationships: Forge positive friendships and mentoring relationships with individuals who can inspire and support your personal growth journey.

> Mentorship: Find a mentor or coach who can guide, train, motivate, and nurture your personal development.

> Surround Yourself with Positivity: Associate with people who energize you and share words that inspire, encourage, and stimulate growth.

> Continuous Learning: Invest in your personal development by reading books, listening to tapes, attending seminars, taking courses, or engaging in volunteer opportunities. Exposure to new ideas and perspectives can fuel your growth.

> Choose Your Company Wisely: Surround yourself with individuals who radiate positivity, faith, hope, and a charitable spirit. Align yourself with those who embody the virtues and character traits you aspire to develop.

> Give Back: Share the wealth of knowledge, encouragement, and support that you’ve received with others. By doing so, you perpetuate the cycle of positive influence.

Make an appointment with yourself to 

contemplate “the me I want to be.”

In conclusion, the challenge of influence lies in our ability to positively impact both ourselves and those around us. By cultivating a mindset of self-empowerment, seeking external sources of inspiration, and actively uplifting others, we can navigate the path to personal growth and create a brighter, more influential future for ourselves and those we touch. Remember that personal growth is an ongoing journey, and every positive influence we encounter strengthens our potential to influence others positively.

Matthew Renz | With a three-decade background in corporate insurance sales and leadership with UnitedHealthcare, Matthew brings a passion and energy for personal and professional growth and leadership development. He is a speaker, trainer, and author who packs everything he touches with thought-provoking ideas meant to grow and build relationships. Reach him by email: matthew@matthew-renz.com.