The Oxford Languages dictionary defines influence as something that has the “ capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.” Basically, an influence changes who you are and/or what you do! 

There’s nothing wrong with being influenced. Influences can be positive. 

Salt water helps me float better. I like that when I am in the ocean, relaxing. Coffee has an influence on your capacity to wake up. A friend’s kind words influence you to a better mood. A mentor who gives you encouragement will help you pressing on.  Even a feel-good movie can be worthwhile.

Influence can be negative as well. You know when your friends told you “come on, don’t be a (fill in the blank)” to do something you considered stupid or against your values? They had an influence on you. You’ve heard the idiom “Keeping up with the Joneses”? That’s when you’re comparing your situation to your neighbors’. All of sudden, you’re buying things that are above your budget. This is where the Bible’s words are so precise.

“Bad company corrupts good character”

1 Corinthians 15:33

So you are and will be influenced in many ways. What changes HOW are you are influenced is your ability to realize what is influencing you!

When you recognize consciously what has an effect on you, then you can willingly let it influence you (positive) or refuse to let it put a grip on you (negative).

When you look for a brighter future, aspire to live a life of purpose, want growth and progress to be part of your journey, you let in what will bring closer to those goals of yours. One of my mentors, John Maxwell says all the time that “Leadership is influence. Nothing more, nothing less”. 

You can start a leadership journey today. Can you imagine if you decided to build an inventory of the influences you let permeate you? It would change you radically and you’d swiftly choose a better path to walk on. 

• You’d become a better leader of yourself, which is so hard!

• You’d get a handle on your unbelievably busy life

• Your business and family would benefit from your growth

• Your personality style would drive your values 

Choose today what and who will influence you. Some of the things that influence you negatively you actually can control. I wrote about it here .

Limit your intake of bad news and determine how much time you need to invest in your social media life. You have the capacity to establish who has access to you on a personal basis. 

I sincerely believe you took the time to read this blog because you want some change in your life, at least to some degree. Here are 7 types of people you should let influence you, because you want to allow their input in your life.

1. The right people for the right purpose. Ask an expert instead of a wannabe.

2. People of good character. “If you walk with the skunk you will smell like the skunk” I used to tell my kids about bad friends!

3. A mentor that has your interest at heart. He really wants your best. It could be your pastor, a business leader you admire for example. 

4. Family members who have emotionally invested in your life. They know you best.

5. Someone who is ahead of you in the field you’re trying to grow. (S)he might be willing to give you some good pointers.

6. Student of life. You know, that person that lives life with a mission, and understands life has a whole.

7. A coach. (You were expecting this one from me!) A good coach gains nothing from you as his role is to help you clarify your desired next steps.

8. Like-minded people. Remember, join with people that are looking in the same direction as you are.

You definitely can choose many of the things that influence most, it is a matter of decision.

”Become wise by walking with the wise. Hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces”

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