I need to be more of an influence to those around me.
I appreciate the amount of people I’ve been to reach through the blog. I admit that I’ve probably influenced at least a few people through the pictures and posts I’ve written since January of 2009. As I’ve always said, it’s been humbling that I’ve been able to help so many by essentially helping myself.
But I’m not talking about that kind of influence, the kind of influence that is associated with building a big, known brand, going on television, being a movie star, musician, etc., and reaching thousands/millions. I’m talking about reaching and influencing just a handful of people.
People directly around us. Friends, family, co-workers, etc.
If you’re looking for more motivation to lose weight, consider losing weight for those around you. Unless you’re an exception, more than likely you have people around you that need to lose weight. And, if not lose weight, do something that requires an incredible amount of willpower. Your actions, not words, will influence them. Since I started losing weight, watching what I eat, and going to the gym 4-5 days a week, a fairly high percentage of people around me have started changing their lives well. Many of these people don’t even read the blog regularly. They don’t see my cunning, clever posts, or newest tips for losing weight.
They just see my actions and what I get out of them.
Of course, there’s no way to know if I influenced any of these people whatsoever. I don’t know if me leaving for the gym almost every weeknight encouraged other people to do the same. If I influenced them, that’s wonderful. If not, the result is the same.
I’ve changed my life. They’re changing their lives. Everybody wins.
I challenge you to be influential. So many people wait to change, thinking it’ll be easier after X date (wedding, vacation, school, something), but don’t wait. Do it now. If you want it, take it. Stop going with the flow and go against the grain. Stop eating the upsized combo #1 with your co-workers every day at lunch, stop watching three hours of television when you get home from work, and stop being content with you are and what your life looks like.
You can lose weight and change your life today. Not only will it make your life better, but those around you as well.
You’ll find that in influencing others, you’ll influence yourself.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Well said…another “I” word is inspire. Influence and Inspire. Since I’ve started my weight loss journey I’ve had quite a few people tell me they’ve gotten “motivated” after seeing what I’m doing. And think about the chain reaction something like that can have. One influences and inspires others, who in turn get going on their dreams and goals, which inspires/influences other friends etc.
Actions motivate people, it’s as simple as that. It’s contagious, it’ll spread throughout workplaces, homes, and communities.
Then again, so will laziness and settling for average.
Tonight my husband actually started eating the way I have been. Smaller portions, cutting things into small bites so it feels like you have more………….you know the drill. This pleases me no end because no amount of gentle suggestion (or nagging) would get him to do the same.
Good for you! It should make you pleased, that’s wonderful.
Tyler, you’re right on the money here. Leading by example is probably the best way, with a strategic nudge when people need it spelled out for them.
Amen, sir.
yesyesYES!!
to touch even one person’s life and have made it a bit easier is truly to have lived….
Sharing and helping others has its rewards, much more so than helping ourselves. I’m starting to see that more as I get older. It’s starting to become less of “me, me, me” and more, “What can I do to make someone’s life better?”
I agree. Just quietly do your thing and be consistent. Your suceess will inspire one person. And then another. And another.
Exactly. No need to preach, just do it quietly, alone, and let everyone else watch and observe. Others will follow.
Yep, I didn’t tell anyone except my family what I was doing. I just recently was asked by two different friends how I got the weight off. I was able to point them in the right direction. I am now accountability partners with one friend.
That’s how it works. It’s exactly what I’m talking about.
I often tell people that the inspiration I give to others is what propels me forward in this journey. Some days when I don’t feel like breaking a sweat I think about what message that gives other people in my life and before I can sit my ass down on the couch and forget about going to the gym, I’m up and out the door.
My friends and family may call me an inspiration but in all honesty, they only getting the inspiration they gave me first.
It’s a cycle. You sit around and do nothing, others will want to do the same. You keep watching what you eat and going to the gym, they’ll be curious and be interested in your lifestyle.
You rock, Tara.
Very very true! And it’s funny because I never thought I’d inspire other people to get healthy when I set out to lose my weight. But I have family members and friends come up to me and tell me that I inspired them to join a gym, or start swimming (which is how I lost my weight). it feels good to hear from people in my life that I helped them.
It does. It’s not why we do it, but it’s certainly rewarding when we hear how we changed someone’s life for the better.
Tyler this post hits right at home. I became bound and determined after finding you site online to lose weight. I talked about it, read about it, anything and everything I could. After getting myself all jazzed up I got my fiance pumped and we are going through this journey together. We both joined the forum and now get even more encouragement from other people across the country. I have even heard rumblings at work about how I am motivating them. So congrats on that.
That’s SO awesome to hear! I’m really glad you found the site, and hope you keep it up. I’m telling you, I don’t know your history with weight/weight loss, but if you do stay with it, you’ll lose weight.
I agree, its great to influence others… just by doing what we are doing to help ourselves. When I first started my journey I managed to influence my other half to also get healthy, he lost 50+lbs but since last summer he has gotten off track and it doesnt seem to matter how well I do he just isnt motivated/influenced to get healthy anymore. I truly believe that they really need to ‘want’ it… and then they can be influenced by someone elses success… I am hoping that one day soon he will get back on track with me :o)
Have him e-mail me. I’ll get him motivated :)
Well,as a teacher and a health educator, my mission is to preach the Gospel of Good Health and to help others get on the right path to better health. It’s a tough job because many just don’t want to give up their sedentary, nutritiously deficient lifestyle. I want to help them see that there is a better way. A way that will make them healthier, hence happier! I reach many people each year. . .some listen. Some will remember later. . .
http://www.onebodyonechoice.com
You are inspiring. Simply the fact of wanting to be more of an influence to those around you shows where you heart lies. The best you can do for people is to help yourself first and allow them to change at their own pace. More power to you!