Centers of Influence is defined as a point of origin, as of influence, ideas, or actions that produces an effect without any apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command.
Does the above definition sound like you?
Apply to you?
I assure you it does. It is a perfect description of you and everyone you know. Everything you do influences someone or something in some way.
Have you ever tossed a pebble into a river?
Did you notice how the impact of the stone moved a circle of water out until it finally returned to the calm apparent before the incident?
Your words and actions are like that of the stone. They cause a “ripple effect” and literally move things around you. Whether the effect is good or bad depends on you.
Have you noticed?
- How an action in the Middle East causes the stock market to move?
- How an accident on the freeway backs up traffic for miles?
- How a stuck stoplight disrupts traffic?
- How an injured player stops a game?
- How a comedy scene makes a whole audience laugh?
I could go on and on and on.
Take a piece of paper:
- Draw a small circle in the middle.
- Write your name in the circle.
- Draw a circle for every person with whom you have a relationship.
- Place their name in the circle. These don’t have to be close relationships. Include family members, friends, fellow employees, neighbors, people you do business with, church members, other organization members, and so on.
- Connect all of those circles to the number of other circles representing people with whom they are connected.
You will be amazed at your circle of influence. Do you notice how many of them are people you like or love?
Can you see how every word and action affects this vast number of people?
I say vast because most weddings and funerals have approximately 200 people in attendance. I say 200 people is a vast number because 200 x 200 = 40,000.
Amazing isn’t it?
It’s called exponential growth.
This happens when you see a good movie, eat at a great restaurant, and read a good book. You pass positive comments to your family, friends, and neighbors. They experience it and pass it on to their family, friends, and neighbors.
Who are the centers of influence in your life?
Change something today to make your tomorrow better.
Tom Blubaugh
Literary Strategist, LLC
TomBlubaugh.net
tom@tomblubaugh.net
417-812-6110