Others influence your life. Remember how many times your parents told you about the company you keep? Well, the old saying that one bad apple ruins the whole bunch is undoubtedly true, so you want to be around folks that are a positive influence.
There are different ways that you can influence someone, and one popular tactic is through manipulation. However, while using these tricks might get someone to do what you want, they won’t trust or respect you. Thankfully, you can use skilled collaboration to gain the integrity and admiration you crave.
Behaviors That Make You A Positive Influence
You want to be a positive influence on those around you. The easiest way is to start with a smile. Did you know that a smile is infectious because it can change someone’s day?
When others see you smile, then they are also inclined to smile back. Even if you don’t speak the same language as someone, a smile is a universal language. Best of all, it will boost your mood, and it only takes a second of your time. Here are some other ways that you can influence people positively.
1. Always Be Polite and Kind
No matter how bad your days, and there will be many, always be polite and kind to others. It takes little effort to be a decent human being, and people will respect you for it.
2. Don’t Judge
It’s easy to become judgmental when other peoples’ views and lifestyles don’t align with yours. No matter what the situation, don’t judge others. Remember that when you point your finger in judgment, there are still three more pointing back at you.
3. Live a Joyous Life
Joy is not something that comes easy to some folks, but you must choose to be joyful regardless of what life throws your way. Tell yourself when you get up in the morning that you will be happy and have joy no matter what’s going on around you.
4. Use Compassion
If you could walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, then perhaps you would understand why they act and think the way they do. Use compassion when dealing with family, friends, and coworkers, as you have no idea the battles they face.
5. Be Thankful
Count your blessings every day. Never think the Universe owes you anything. Be thankful for all you have, and more will be given to you. Do you want a higher-paying job, then be thankful for the one that already puts food on your table?
Life has a funny way of rewarding the humble and giving more to those who are deserving. Even if you don’t have a lot, being thankful for what you do have is an excellent way to invite more blessings your way.
6. Practice Active Listening
Active listening means that you give someone your undivided attention. Most people don’t want you to tell them what to do, but they need a shoulder to cry on and someone to hear them.
7. Never Gossip
It’s so easy to tell something you’ve learned to a friend or coworker. However, when you engage in gossip, you’re not a positive influence.
Remember, if someone gossips with you about another person, they will also talk about you behind your back. You don’t need this negativity in your life.
8. Be Authentic
Folks like to be around people that are real and humble. They want to work alongside someone who is proud of who they are and doesn’t try to be something they’re not.
Have you ever seen someone act like they’re rich, but you know they barely scrape by? Just be who you were intended to be, and people will love you for it.
9. Clean Your Living Space
Did you know that people can tell a lot about you by your living space? How are your home and car? Is there trash everywhere? Are dishes piled in the sink from last week?
Your areas help people define you as a person. When you show pride in your possessions, then it can rub off on others.
10. Teach Don’t Preach
Don’t be a hypocrite. If you tell people not to smoke and drink as it’s terrible for your health, then you need to make sure that you don’t engage in those activities either. People want you to teach them and not preach to them. If they need a sermon, they will go to church.
11. Smile Often
Never miss an opportunity to smile at someone. It may be the one thing that gives them the strength to keep going. Chances are, they will smile back at you.
12. Have a Positive Attitude
Stay positive no matter how hard it is to achieve. You may want to tell off a coworker or boss or scream obscenities at the electric company for overbilling you. However, remember that people are watching you, and any negativity can rub off.
13. Use Humor to Get Through Life
Not only should you smile, but you should laugh often. Laughter is like medicine to the soul. Did you know that when you laugh, your releasing feel-good brain chemicals that can bring about healing? An article published on the National Institute of Health shows that studies prove laughter can reverse depression and anxiety.
14. Never Lie
It’s effortless to lie when you’re caught in a bad situation. However, lies tend to snowball. When you tell one, you must tell another one to cover the previous one. People are watching, and you won’t be a good influence if you’re untruthful.
15. Lead by Example
How many times have you told your children to clean a room while you watched TV and rested? Kids don’t get that you’ve already worked 10 hours and are exhausted.
If you want them to respond to you, then lead by example. Please pick up the dust rag and broom and show them how to clean. You will get a better response from them.
16. Give Hugs Often
When you hug someone, you can spread feel-good vibes from your body to theirs. Some studies show that embracing someone can be useful for their mental health.
According to an article on the National Institute of Health, when you hug someone, you’re helping to lower cortisol levels, which in return can lower blood pressure and heart rate.
17. Do Random Acts of Kindness
It makes your soul feel good to do random acts of kindness towards others. Plus, people are watching you and the life you live. If you’re a kind and caring person, then folks can’t help but notice.
Additionally, to the person on the receiving end of your kindness, it might be the very thing that gets them through the day.
18. Honor Your Word
If you tell someone you’re going to do something, then make sure you get it done. For instance, you volunteer to make 50 cupcakes for your daughter’s Girl Scout troop. No matter how tired, you must make sure you honor your commitment.
A man/woman is only as good as their word, and you must make sure that when you tell people something, they believe you.
19. Never Get Involved in Other’s Drama
It’s effortless to get sucked into other people’s drama. However, you will make a more significant impact on others if you stay out of it. Be known as the person who doesn’t gossip and doesn’t do drama, and your positive energy will speak highly of you.
20. Attitude of Gratitude
Rather than having the attitude that everyone owes you something, why not have an attitude of gratitude? Be thankful you have a job to go to today because many people are on the unemployment line. Make sure you hug your family tight before you leave for the day, as many have lost their loved ones and long for an embrace.
You may not have designer shoes on your feet, but you don’t have holes in your shoes either. Lastly, it may not be the fanciest house on the block, but it keeps you warm, and the roof doesn’t leak. Be thankful for all the little blessings you have, and it will change your attitude.
Gratitude can be infectious, and it will be a positive influence on those around you.
Final Thoughts on Being a Positive Influence on Others
Life is never going to go your way all the time, and there are going to be days when you want to throw in the towel. Consequently, life isn’t about just enduring the storms. But it’s about learning to dance in the rain. People are watching in everything you do.
You can choose to be a positive influence or a negative one. Remember, your children, spouse, coworkers, and family see your every move. You want others to aspire to be like you and not run the other way.
You have many choices to make in this life, but the legacy you leave behind will either be positive or negative. So, your actions of today have a significant impact on you and those close by.
