I’ve always seen myself as someone who pushes myself and leads by example. I remember growing up, my father often told me that it's easier to lead by example than to try to convince someone to do something or to simply tell them what they need to do.
Interestingly, it wasn’t until adulthood that I truly realized the impact of this advice. Reflecting back, I’ve always been an influencer in some way.
Whether it was losing a significant amount of weight and regularly working out, which inspired my friends to do the same, or the time over a decade ago when people came over to my parents' house to join me in doing P90X and Insanity workouts (Does anyone else remember those?), I’ve seen my actions influence others.
It could also be when I decided to go to school for design, and 3-4 of my friends followed the same path. They weren’t sure what they wanted to do, but my external optimism seemed to rub off on them because I was the friend in the group who appeared to have a clear vision. Though, that vision has certainly evolved over the years.
Or when I bought my first house and turned it into a rental, only to hear people around me say, “I’m trying to do something like you someday.”
Most recently, I started Emailemu.com, and this has led peers, friends, coworkers, and even strangers to reach out, either to mention how I’ve inspired them or to ask for advice.
So why am I sharing this?
Not because I think I’m some magical person with an insane level of influence that everyone should gravitate toward. But because it’s incredible what just being proactive and starting something can do, not just for yourself, but for those around you.
You might not even realize that your actions could resonate with someone else and have a positive influence on their life and the choices they make.
What seems pointless or normal to you could be a catalyst for someone else.
Here are a few realizations I’ve had since starting Email Emu about influence and leadership:
Taking action inspires others:
Simply by taking action and talking about it, even if you don’t have all the answers, you can strike a chord with those around you. People relate to those they know, so if they see someone they can relate to pursuing their dreams, it can inspire them to start their own journey.
Showing your excitement is contagious:
Energy transfer is real. When I’m excited about what I’m building and the journey I’m on, it rubs off on others. You can see them get hyped and inspired, whether to help you or to pursue their own goals. But similarly, if you’re low energy and unenthusiastic, others will pick up on that too. Think about the last work meeting that drained you—chances are it lacked energy.
Being transparent makes others gravitate toward you:
I’ve noticed that when you wear your heart on your sleeve, people tend to want to work with you and put in the effort. Sharing your ups and downs, your wins and failures, creates a connection. I once had a manager who was extremely transparent and trusted us to do our jobs. He was the main reason I chose to stay at that company. I never dreaded our one-on-ones because I didn’t want to let him down—he made me feel valued and confident in my abilities.
A little guidance goes a long way:
People are often paralyzed by the unknown, so they don’t try. In my conversations with others, it’s amazing how just a simple conversation and a few suggestions on where to start can give someone enough of a boost to take action. This makes sense, as doing everything alone can be a very lonely process.
And a closing thought
perception is everything.
You don’t always have to have everything figured out, but you often need to perform at your best in front of the right audience and sell yourself as if you do. Sometimes, one conversation could be the difference between success and failure.
