Personal power is what this site and blog are all about. Personal power is the key to our success as human beings. It defines how we think and act on a daily basis. It motivates and inspires each of us as we live and work in the world.
So what is personal power made of? What does it look like? How will you know when you have it?
1. Focus – One way that our personal power is conveyed is through our ability to focus.
It was the painter Robert Henri who said: “Do whatever you do intensely.”
So it is with our focus – we must do it intensely. The successful and powerful person, husband, wife, entrepreneur has about them an intense and driven focus that separates them from the crowd.
This person is able to control their thoughts, emotions and actions to the point that they are completely centered on the things needed in order to shape and mold a successful life. It is as if they have been taken over by the Zen Proverb that says:
“When walking walk. When eating, eat.”
Laser focus is the first key component of personal power.
2. Action – Personal power is wrapped up in action. Let me say that differently: without action – there cannot be any personal power.
Someone who possesses personal power can and does take the time to think, deliberate, and plan. There is no “willy nilly” or “fly by the seat of your pants” in personal power. Plans are made, goals are set and details are worked out….
….and then action is taken!
The person of power lives by the words of Napoleon Hill:
“Don’t wait, the time will never be just right”
This is the main difference with most of us. We sit back and consider and roll around and wring our hands waiting on the “perfect” time to get in the game and take action.
My friends, there is never a perfect time – act. Don’t wait – act. Get up – act. Now is the time – act!
Action is the second key component of personal power.
3. Change – You will never find yourself filled with personal power if you are afraid or unwilling to change.
A simple definition of personal power might be, “The ability to change the direction of your life.”
When we change our behavior patterns, we access personal power. When we are able to change habits like smoking, exercise, gossip or negative self talk, we gain personal power.
When we are willing to embrace change with such a desire and determination that allows us to consider all the possibilities of life, at that moment, we have stepped into the realm of personal power.
Change is the end game of the personal power components.
Our greatest power happens when we have laser focus that allows us to know what we want and where we are going.
That focus is then taken up in consistent action that moves out into the world with step-by-step acts that propel us forward.
The culmination of our personal power comes when we have focused and acted and – changed. That is personal power.
I close with a quote from Reinhold Neibuhr:
“Change is the essence of life. be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become.”
When we are willing to do that – we have personal power. It is then that we have a powerful life.
There are more components to personal power. What have I left out? What do you think they are?
Let’s keep the conversation going below.
image: personalpatches
