You are influenced by others
Social relationships affect our behavior, our values and beliefs and our mindset. As we say “Tell me who you walk with and I’ll tell you who you are.”
Our influence on each other is mostly unconscious. However, you have free will to choose how you want to influence and be influenced by others.
Strange as it might seem, your life’s outcome is very affected by your relationships. They can help you thrive, or can hinder your growth. Toxic people that tend to complain and self-pity, criticize or backbiting, to sulk about anything, people who manipulate or harass others, are much more common than you might think. And they can have a huge impact in your life.
Although your group can have some negative people, you can choose how much you want to be exposed to them.
Influence and be influenced, positively
Happiness is more contagious than unhappiness, is the conclusion of several studies. And certainly, walking on the bright side of life, will enable you to be happier but also to perform better and to better fulfil your goals.
How can you deal positively with influence?
- Be intent in staying in the positive.
- Don’t start, or don’t let others start, something you don’t want in the long run – it’s more efficient to not let it start, than to expect it will end. For example, don’t allow a new friend to keep criticizing you in public (or any other negative behavior), thinking that he/she will stop doing it with time.
- Help your friends when they need… but don’t feed dependency.
- If you are pressured to do something you’re not quite sure about, take a time alone to decide if you want it or not – and don’t be afraid of having a different opinion from others.
📥 If you’d like to be more positive in influencing and being influenced, contact us. We’ll help you achieve that goal.
Mena Santos Galvão