Influence Based on Impact

I’m gearing up for an upcoming speaking engagement, where I have the incredible opportunity to pour into the next generation—the future leaders who will shape our world. As I reflected on what message would truly resonate, it became crystal clear: Influence and Impact. The way we lead, the way we show up, and the way we inspire others matters more than we realize. Let’s make it count. #Influence #Impact

Influence is not just about power or position—it’s about impact. Every day, we are shaped by people, experiences, and challenges, but we also have the ability to shape others.

So, let’s reflect on two key questions:

1. How were you impacted?

2. How do you impact you?

   
   

   The first question asks us to look at the people and experiences that have left an imprint on us.

   
   

   The second reminds us that we are not just passive recipients of influence—we are also responsible for the way we respond, grow, and impact the world around us.There are three pillars that guide my perspective on influence:

1. The Power of How You Make People Feel

Maya Angelou famously said:

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

Words may fade, actions may be forgotten, but emotions last. That’s why kindness is not just a suggestion—it’s a responsibility. How you make someone feel could be the difference between them believing in themselves or giving up. Smiles R Contagious! The simplest gesture—a word of encouragement, a moment of patience, a genuine smile—can shift someone’s entire day.

Example 1: The Teacher Who Saw You

Think about a teacher, coach, or mentor who believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself. Maybe they pushed you, encouraged you, or simply took the time to listen. You might not remember every lesson they taught, but you remember how they made you feel—seen, valued, capable. That feeling planted a seed, shaping who you are today.

Now flip the script—who in your life needs that same encouragement from you? Who needs to feel seen? Be intentional because your influence carries weight.

2. The Principle of Consistency

Consistency builds trust. Whether someone is consistently great or consistently struggling, at least their patterns can be recognized, evaluated, and improved. What’s dangerous is inconsistency—it creates confusion, making it impossible to trust or grow.

The reality is, people won’t always get things right. But if they are consistently wrong, at least the pattern can be studied, understood, and corrected. If they are consistently right, they create a legacy of reliability.

Example 2: The Athlete Who Shows Up

Picture an athlete training for a championship. They don’t get good by practicing only when they feel like it. They train when they’re tired, when they don’t want to, when no one is watching. Their consistency builds their skill, their endurance, and ultimately, their success.

Life works the same way. You don’t become a better friend, leader, or person by showing up sometimes. Your consistency, in discipline and in character, determines the trust people have in you.

So ask yourself: What are you doing consistently? Is it leading you toward your best self, or away from it?

3. The Unshakable Power of Faith

The most powerful pillar of my life is faith. I am grounded in the belief that “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17)

This scripture doesn’t say weapons won’t form—it says they won’t win. Challenges, struggles, and setbacks will happen. But they are not here to break you. They are here to teach you. To shape you. To make you stronger.

Example 3: The Diamond Under Pressure

Think about a diamond. It starts as a piece of coal, buried under the earth. It faces intense pressure and heat before it ever shines. Without the struggle, it remains just a lump of coal.

The same applies to life. You will feel pressure—maybe from expectations, failures, disappointments, or life throwing curveballs your way. But what if that pressure is actually preparing you? What if it’s molding you into something stronger?

Faith reminds us that setbacks are just setups for something greater. When things go wrong, don’t ask, “Why is this happening to me?” Instead, ask “What am I supposed to learn from this?”

The Ultimate Message: Influence is a Choice

We are influenced by experiences, people, and environments—but we also hold the power to influence others. Every day, you have a choice:

• Will you leave people feeling encouraged or defeated?

• Will you be consistent in your actions, words, and values?

• Will you allow faith to guide you through difficulties, knowing that they are shaping you for something greater?

Influence is not just about what happens to us—it’s about how we respond. Diamonds shine because of pressure. Trees grow strong because of storms. And the greatest leaders are not those who avoid challenges but those who face them and rise.

So today, I challenge you:

Be kind. Be consistent. Be faithful. Your influence matters more than you think.

#SmilesRContagious #FaithOverFear #InfluenceWithPurpose

#Learnedman

This is piece is dedicated to our young people!

HIATDWR

“Honesty and integrity—say it with me—

A promise to stand tall and do what’s right, always.” #learnedman