Stop Impressing, And Start Influencing

For many of us, much of our behavior, decisions, actions, views, thoughts, mannerism, and style, is based around trying to impress others. We seem to be hell-bent on trying to fit in with others, desperate to be liked, accepted, admired, and respected. In fact, many of us cannot stand the thought of not being liked by others, and then, in turn, we try our hardest to please them. We often set the expectations on ourselves to please everyone all the time, when the reality is, such a feat is not even a possibility. This sort of behavior all starts from as far back as our schooling days, as we try so hard to make friends, fit in with the "cool kids", and be popular. It's sad that this sort of mentality leads us to destruction, not satisfaction, or success. We end up becoming a person not true to ourselves, as our decisions, actions, behavior, attitude, thoughts, views, and mannerism, aren't truly reflective of who we really are. So what happens? We end up leading a life of trying to please others, rather than pleasing ourselves, because our decisions and actions are based purely on what we believe will impress others. What we don't realize is, it's not impressing others that leads to success, satisfaction, happiness, and fulfillment, it's influencing others that creates the greatest impact.

We can all be categorized into 2 different groups of people, one being leaders, and the other being followers. The majority of people in the world are followers. Their views, thoughts, beliefs, attitude, decisions, behavior, actions, and mannerism, are based around what the majority of others believe, how they act, and how they behave. Whether any of these above are genuinely right or wrong, it seems to hold no bearing on each respective individual. If they see others do it, or if they hear others believe it, and a majority of people act and believe in the same manner, then for most people, that too is what they believe, and how they choose to act personally. That is being a follower. a leader however, has the power to influence people. That's not to say that all leaders have decent morals, beliefs, opinions, and decent values though. In fact, sadly, many leaders take advantage of their power of influence, and manipulate many others to believe in what is not truth nor fact, they behave poorly, and they set poor examples, leading people astray and into destruction and unhappiness. Not only this, but they also have a complete lack of support, encouragement, compassion, help, and inspiration, towards others, as they are only truly concerned about their own personal welfare, success, and well-being. I think many of us would have experienced this within our own workplace, or perhaps witnessed it with various political leaders, and company executives.

When we talk about making the world a better place, both leadership and influence can create that, however both leadership and influence will never achieve its greatest potential, when the majority of people continue to remain as followers. Each and every one of us have the ability to positively change, not only our own personal lives, but also the lives of others. By simply making the choice of not continually trying to please others, not continually allowing ourselves to be followers of society, and not continually going about trying to impress others, but instead starting to believe what we feel is truly right, and what we truly believe is best for our future, our happiness, and our success, whilst encouraging others to do the same, uplifting and supporting them in the process, we can make a huge positive difference and contribution in this world. The characteristics of kindness, generosity, compassion, and love, can lead us personally to a life of happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Not only this though, but the more people who can witness our actions and our behavior, and the positive impact it has, not only on them, but also others, it's powerful enough to create a positive influence on them to then start doing the same in their own life. If we start living with decent morals, behavior, and attitude, and start being true to ourselves, whilst giving to others and uplifting them in the process, when others start to see the positive results and success we are creating, they too will be influenced to do the same. This is leadership, and using our power to positively influence and impact others. This is true and genuine leadership. Don't think for one moment you cannot make a difference in this world! It only takes one person, that is positively influenced by your actions, behavior, attitude, and morals, and it can create a wave of positivity and change. So stop going out of your way trying to impress or please people, trying to have them like you, respect you, admire you, and accept you. Start being yourself, remaining true to your own beliefs, your own decisions, and your own actions. Stop impressing, and start influencing! Although you will still never achieve likeability and popularity from everyone, you will gain far more respect and admiration, but at least you will actually be making a positive difference in your own life, and the lives of others. That is success!

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