Who and What Is Going To Influence Your Life?

This one goes out to all of the younger readers, because we are the ones figuring out who we want to be. We are the ones who have just realized that you ARE someone, you BECOME someone, and it doesn't matter how much thought you've put into the process. Indeed, I'm addressing you older folks, too. The parents, coaches, professionals who already have a steady grasp of who they are and what kinds of principles guide their lives. We could all benefit from a little reflection every now and then.

So today I challenge you to reflect on the top 3 influences on your life. "Religion, Family, and Work", although those are great influences to have, aren't specific enough. Really think about the decisions you make on a daily basis and pinpoint how they fit in with your principles. Where along this line can you improve? Did you make any mistakes? Do you regret anything? Nobody is the symbol of perfection and we are all flawed, but when I say "flawed", I only mean that each and every one of us has something about ourselves that we would like to change. Find the influences that steer your weaknesses.

 The point of this exercise is to find one influence that has a negative impact on your life. Anything in your life that can be nudged in a positive direction. It can be a person, an insecurity, or conflict. It can be anything. Now visualize what you have to do to get on the right path. Is it difficult or easy? If it is difficult, do you have the strength to change it? This isn't a trick question, it's yes or no. But the most important thing is for you to be honest with yourself. Don't make excuses to mask your own inability to be honest with yourself. Don't spray air freshener in a filthy room that you are too lazy to clean.

After you have decided whether or not you are strong enough, follow a course of action. If you know what needs to be done, do it. If you want to fix something, but don't have the knowledge to fix it, seek help. And finally, if you know what needs to be done but don't want to follow through, accept that you don't want to fix it and move on.

Savannah Steamer, Intern