Influence Is Your Superpower

Imagine the moment you were born. You had no claws, no sharp teeth, no way to physically fend for yourself. Yet somehow, you survived. How? Through influence—the innate ability to express your desires and connect with others who cared for you. Influence is not something you learn; it is something you are born with. As a baby, your cries, your smiles, your needs were communicated with such power that those around you responded without hesitation. This primal form of influence is what allowed our species to thrive and build complex societies.

But as you grew, this natural power became complicated. You were taught to be obedient, to wait your turn, to not be 'bossy.' The very influence you once wielded effortlessly became tangled in social expectations and norms. Many people come to believe that influence is synonymous with being pushy or manipulative, but nothing could be further from the truth. True influence is about connection, mutual respect, and making others comfortable to say yes.

Consider how top salespeople earn more than CEOs or how lobbyists influence politicians. Their success is not from coercion but from building trust and relationships over time. The influence you already have has brought you success in your life, and by understanding it better, you can unlock even greater possibilities. Think of influence as the gravity that pulls people toward your ideas, your vision, and your leadership.

As we move forward, remember that influence is not a tool for manipulation but a superpower for creating positive change. This journey will help you rediscover the natural persuasive abilities you were born with and teach you how to nurture them with kindness and effectiveness. Being influential is about becoming someone people want to say yes to, not someone they feel pressured by.

Now, as we prepare to dive deeper, let’s explore the fascinating ways our minds make decisions and how understanding this can transform your influence.