Can a Person Influence You When They're With You?

Yes, this is the question: Can a person influence you when they’re with you? The simple answer is yes.

Take a moment to reflect on your past. Think about the people who were around you and how you were at that time. Were you thriving, or were you struggling?

I’m not suggesting that those people are solely responsible for your actions. However, I am saying that the person beside you can influence you—positively or negatively—often without either of you even realizing it.

For instance, you might unconsciously pick up certain habits, phrases, or behaviours from a friend. This is influence at work. Whether it’s good or bad depends on the nature of the influence and how you respond to it.

Let’s consider a different scenario: Imagine you’re in college and sharing a room with two other students. You introduce yourself, hoping to be friendly since you’ll be living together. These roommates are always studying, coding, and solving problems. You, on the other hand, might not have much interest in these activities initially. But over time, you might start to pick up on what they’re discussing, or even develop an interest in coding yourself, simply because you’re exposed to it regularly.

I can relate. There was a time when I knew very little, but I was positively influenced by my friends, seniors, and other role models. Their influence motivated me to set goals, pursue them, and become aware of new things I hadn’t known before. Ultimately, it’s up to us to choose whether we embrace positive or negative influences.

At the same time, don’t forget that you are influencing others, often without even knowing it.

So, if you want to be successful, become more aware of new things, or advance in your career, focus on improving your skills, keep learning and applying what you learn, and surround yourself with wise people. These positive influences can give you the extra energy you need to achieve your goals and succeed in life.

Think about it!