Positive Influence

Influence is defined as the ability to have an impact upon or change someone's development, character or behavior. Everyone, everywhere, influences one another whether through physical, mental or spiritual means, this includes conscious and unconscious actions. Actions are either deemed good or bad in daily life and these actions are what we use to gauge a person's influence on us.

It is quite easy to note the various bad influences in your life and know their impact. Many of us want these influences to change or disappear completely. However, it is in the manor of positivity that it becomes harder to decode its influence. What positives in your life are mainstays and not moments that are fleeting? Whom in your life, if anyone, is cheering you on day to day? Who could you count on to give you a real chance besides the people who birthed or raised you? If you have an amalgamation of partial memories or a list of now departed old friends then you are now in need of a stable positive influence in your life.

There are a multitude of positive influence that you yourself can institute and add to your daily routine although finding a positive influence in someone else is exceedingly rare. The person has to be of access to you, someone you can readily see. Secondly, the person has to be secure within themselves meaning that they make decisions wholeheartedly and with prior thought. Thirdly, know that the person does not have to be liked but well respected in their field or local setting. If one person does not meet all three criteria then try to find one aspect per person. Spend time with them and take a thorough look at their aspect to understand how they demonstrate it.

Accounting for who you know; remember not to limit yourself in finding positive influences in places you do not frequent. If you have a chance to meet a great mentor that is an expert in a different field, it pays to see if you can receive some real gems from them no matter the specialty. Having a decent network is vital to filtering and finding an active positive influence.

Furthermore, the positive is only positive due to the negative. Eliminating negative influences within your life is vital as well. Find the "friends", items, habits and thoughts that keep you from becoming all that you can. Identify all of them and start to keep track of how often you engage in negative practices. Begin to replace this with activities that strengthen and benefit you. The destruction of a bad habit is best accompanied with the development of a good one. Remember that a habit is formed within 18-200 days (depending on how diligent you are). Immediately, begin to set these habits and people straight because the simple act of doing so will catapult your life to new heights.

Keep a promise to yourself about the decisions you decided to make and do not look back. If you decide to end something or put away a habit that no longer serves you it will try to resurface. When what you have discarded has reemerged, you will be ready to handle it in the correct way. If a situation or problem can not be completely destroyed or dismissed, try and keep it at a distance or limit your exposure to it. I know it is easier said than done.

Make no mistake, your life can and will be magnificent. All you must do is change your perspective and limit true ignorance/inactivity throughout your life. Take the first step an live the truth of you by finding your positive influences!