“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)

I have just got back from assisting on a training in London. One of the compliments I received while I was there was that they could tell who had influenced my style and my work.

One reason I took this as a compliment is firstly because the person they had identified as an influence is someone I think is world class at what they do.

The other reason I took it as a compliment is that several years ago I made a conscious decision to surround myself with those whose work I admired. It’s something I’ve found can really influence how easily I have a “good” day. Especially when I include people, events etc who when I found that when I was around things seemed easier or more pleasant.

You may have read or heard interviews with musicians or actors who will credit other acts or artists as being an influence on their style.

This does not mean that these performers copy those who have been influential. Nor does it mean that the influencers have magically transformed those spectators.

Part of the dictionary definition of influence is “the capacity of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behaviours, opinions, etc, of others”

For me, the key part of that the phrase is there is “a compelling force”, it’s not about removing all choice.

While I have made a conscious decision to be around positive influences, in the past I have also made decisions to remove and/or limit exposure from being around other situations who’s influence I found not to be positive.

It seems to make sense to me that by spending more time around the positive influences and less around those that don’t. This week I invite you to play with the following to influence your own life:

1. Make a list of at least 10 things, people, events, activities, places etc you know that it’s easier to feel fantastic/have a good day when you include them.

2. Make a list of at least 20 things that bug you but not enough for you to have taken action on yet – these don’t have to be big things – it may just be an occasional leaking tap in the bathroom.

3. This week I invite you to spend some time enjoying connecting with someone or thing from your first list. I also invite you to take action to remove something from your second list.

4. Notice how this influences you and your life.

Create a fantastically influential week

Love

Jen

This was originally posted on www.YourChangingDirection.com