How To Influence People And Change The World

18 Comments

There are people from all around the world who are doing truly amazing things. You are doing amazing things. (Yes, I said you!)

You are capable of so much and, frankly, of so much more! After all, you were created in the very image of God. Therefore, I believe it to be only natural that you will positively influence thousands of people from all around the world.

Don’t you believe that?

Actions speak louder than words. People will be influenced by your inspiring story for many years to come. Live that story today!

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How To Influence People

Some people influence others around them by their words, both spoken and written words. Others influence people with bold actions. Many of us are inspired by people because of the story they have lived or are still living.

Below is a video of a man who was a paratrooper in the US armed services. From too many jumps, he injured his knees and back. He could only get around with canes supporting both arms. He could barely walk.

He got depressed, deeply so. He put on weight and, as you’ll see, got rather unhealthy. He began searching for answers. Searching for hope.

Doctors told him he’d never walk unassisted ever again. Fitness gurus and health experts all turned him down…except for one person. One person believed in him, encouraged him, and held him accountable.

Wow, it is amazing how much positive influence you can have over a person when you give them the support they need.

Think about this…

Encouragement is one gift you possess and which you have an UNlimited arsenal of. You could dish it out over and over and over again and never run out. In fact, the more you use it the more you receive of it. Imagine how our world might change if each of us focused our efforts on encouraging people around us with our words and actions.

That’s how to influence other people. That’s how you can change the world.

QUESTION: After you watch the below video, click here to leave a comment about how someone you know has encouraged, influenced, or inspired you to do greater things.

* Image credit: h.koppdelaney (Creative Commons)

Filed Under: Influence, Personal Branding
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About Charles Specht

I'm a bi-vocational pastor, an insurance consultant, an author, and a father to five children (two were adopted from China and have "special needs").

I blog and speak on the topics of Faith, Leadership, Work, Men's Health, Personal Growth, Productivity, and building better Tribes. I'm the community facilitator for GodlyWriters.com and some people secretly think I'm Crazy About Church.

I live in central California with my wife, Kathy, our five children, and too many pets to mention. Learn more about me.

You can connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and LinkedIn.

  • http://www.CharlesSpecht.com/ Charles Specht

    Tell us about how someone you know has encouraged, influenced, or inspired you to do greater things.

  • DonyaDunlap

    Wow. That’s the most awesome, inspiring thing I have seen in a long time. Thank you for sharing.

    • http://www.CharlesSpecht.com/ Charles Specht

      I know! I’ve watched it a few times and it is very inspiring.

  • http://twitter.com/ColwellContent Nicole Colwell, CEO

    My husband inspires me.  He spent his early adult life rebelling against everything his Christian upbringing taught him.  He did drugs, spent most of his non-working time drunk…now he’s on fire for the Lord.  He inspired me to use the creative talent God gave me to write and now I’m doing a job I love.  Anything is possible with God.  If God can bring him out of that life, God can use me and my talents to accomplish his purpose through my career.  This video was a blessing to me.  Thank you for sharing it.

    • http://www.CharlesSpecht.com/ Charles Specht

      That’s wonderful, Nicole! It sounds like the Lord has been doing an awesome work in your husband’s life! Praise the Lord for His lovingkindness.

      How has the new job been going?

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  • http://twitter.com/colingautrey Colin Gautrey

    It is a well researched influence tactic – the inspirational appeal (Cecile Falbe et al). If you can find a way to inspire, you are well on the way to achieving your goal. I help people to become influential at work, and there are too few heros in that world. If there were more great examples of corporate heros doing the right thing for the world, rather than making a fast buck, the world would definitely be a better place.
    The video you share here is a great example, but to what extent to we all just see there feeling inspires, or get of our butts and do something similar?

    • http://www.CharlesSpecht.com/ Charles Specht

      I couldn’t agree more. There must be a change in our thought process that leads to action. Otherwise, the inspiring videos are little more than entertainment. 

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  • http://www.borntwolead.com/ TJ Trent

    The absolute truth!!

    • http://www.CharlesSpecht.com/ Charles Specht

      Thanks, TJ.

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  • http://www.eileenknowles.com Eileen

     ”Encouragement is one gift you possess and which you have an UNlimited arsenal of.”  That’s very true.  Many times, when I am not sure what the next step is, I will just encourage…you can’t go wrong with that.  

    • http://www.CharlesSpecht.com/ Charles Specht

      You can’t go wrong with that mindset, Eileen. Keep it up!

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