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The power of influence

There aren't many people who would say that they couldn't benefit from having the skill of knowing how to influence people. I am sure many of us can think of innumerable ways that we could use such a skill. It could be a great help in securing the next job you apply for, or the next business tender you try to secure. It could even help you convince the parking officer that you don't deserve the parking ticket they are about to write for you! Sounds useful doesn't it? So while we can confidently state that we would be more than happy to be skilled in the art of influence, have you stopped at any stage to reflect on what it is that you allow to influence your life?

I have been thinking lately about what influences my life, particularly regarding the media I engage with and the words of songs that I listen to.

For many years I listened to mainstream commercial radio in my car as I drove around; I enjoyed singing along to popular songs and became familiar with the radio DJ's (especially on the morning radio programs) and I enjoyed the stories and jokes that they told.

I can't even remember what prompted me to start listening to a different radio station, but I now find in comparison my 'old' favourite station lacking in moral values, littered with inappropriate language, and certainly not suitable for the ears of my 2 step daughters who listen with open ears and minds absorbing everything they hear.

I have been listening to 89.9Light FM (Melbourne) radio station for 3 years. They describe themselves as a 'positive alternative'. Their song choices reflect themes that are positive, encouraging or thought provoking and perhaps more importantly, they reflect my own personal Christian values and morals. There are often positive words of encouragement that are shared throughout the day; sometimes these are from the bible and sometimes they are just inspirational quotes. There are interviews featuring inspiring people and perhaps my favourite segment is 'Focus on the Family' which is a short program profiling different issues that everyday families face, with some practical advice regarding how to positively navigate the issue.

In comparison, traditional radio and media appears negative and disempowering.

There are many other influences in our daily lives besides radio; the news, our friends, work colleagues, our partners, books and magazines, internet sites we visit. The list is endless. How often do you stop and make a conscious decision about what you want to influence your life; your attitude, your demeanour, your frame of mind? Do you have positive or negative influences surrounding you? Do they support your personal values?

I know I want to be surrounded by positive influences, which lift me up and empower me with ideas and information on how to live better. It is always going to be easier said than done, however I believe the benefits are worth the effort. What do you think?

Merewyn Foran is married and an area director of a corporate welfare services group in Melbourne.

Merewyn Foran’s archive of previous articles can be found at www.pressserviceinternational.org/merewyn-foran.html

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