Influence: Why, Who, How and Now What?

Influence: Why, Who, How and Now What? ( No Audio )

Have you ever looked over your shoulder into your own personal history and asked, “Why did I do that?”, or “Why did I choose this direction?” There is a benefit in taking an adult view backward, especially when you look for someone to thank, and not blame, for your current life.

It’s almost like standing at the podium when presented with a prestigious award… Who do you want to thank, besides yourself, for doing what was required to receive such a reward?

Authors often have a dedication page where they name someone who was instrumental in the writing process, or in getting them past a hurdle or even sending them down this particular path.

Who do you get to thank? And for what reason do you thank them for? The big “Why?”

Mostly, we have a select few that rise to the top of our memories. If we were to personally write a dedication page for the ones that meant the most to us, who would you thank, and for what reason do you thank them for, and why?

I believe the list is too lengthy. Without a lot of analysis, exploring our suppressed memories, or under deep hypnosis, we could perhaps never name everyone necessary for prodding us a certain direction or showing us something that set our sails flowing with, or even against the wind. Imagine that special someone that helped you choose where to set your anchor from which spot you have never moved!

In past blogs, I have named some of the early influential individuals in my life, but as I was describing this to my mom, I have no real memory of some surely certain events that I am sure must have happened. Right?

• I don’t remember Sunday School until I was about 8 or 9 years old. Today, our Sunday School teachers are into the kids in a lot of ways, I cannot imagine a single one of them not remembering these good times.
• I do not remember my first kindergarten experience, except for the location and fear of being somewhere by myself. We moved several months into the experience so it did not imprint very well.
• Nor can I remember most of my school teachers, except for a few names here and there. The remembered ones were probably those that pushed me a little bit deeper into my present day person.
• I do not remember my first Cub Scout leaders, yet Scouting was important at an early age. What was that first badge? The motto? Where is all that stuff today?
• Equally, Little League coaches? We moved from Seabrook to Channelview and I know I played a little at the first and a lot at the second, the only coach I remember had kids my age that I went to school with.
• I do not remember the first time I liked a particular song or singer, but I do remember the powerful voices of church and home where we sang all the time.

But that’s not to say there wasn’t influence in my life. There was. I just do not remember much about it. Now, let’s say that you were a Scout for Life, then you would probably remember more of the early events. The same with a sport, or profession. Those earlier years may be remembered more if you pursue them equally into the later years of life.

That being said, “What Do I Remember?” And why? And who do I thank for the memories and the influence? It was John Maxwell who said, “Leadership is Influence.” Think about it. Who influenced you was a leader to you in some way. Who you influence looks to you as a leader. Leaders know how to share the spotlight and the limelight!

That being said: I do remember….and I want to thank….

I do remember many birthday parties! Of course, presents were more important than the cake… Of course, family movies often enforce those early memories and make them more vividly recalled. Thanks, family!

I do remember is the first time dad took me to see the Colt 45’s play ball in Houston, long before there was Astro’s – either of the space or the dome or the team kind. Thanks, Dad!

I do remember are those first books of Dr. Seuss and Hardy Boys that set my love for reading! I remember my first kid’s bible, red covered, and my first study bible from which I discovered a love for the study of scripture. And, of course, those volumes of books mom and dad bought from a traveling salesman (I suspect) that were probably in most everyone’s home – and I remember opening every encyclopedia, dictionary, how-to’s and history, and those bible story books… Thanks, Mom! Thanks, Dad!

I do remember are those powerful and joyful moments when mom and dad would let us engage with them at the steering wheel – sitting in their laps, practicing shifting, letting us have the wheel at appropriate times, and taking us on those long cross country trips. Late night driving trips around Houston, and all those practice hours and miles simply staying in the driveway! Whoa! Double Thanks!

I do remember are those trips to the grandparents – either in Sandburr Ridge, Livingston, Ace or at Murvaul, and the life lived away from summer responsibilities back home – even though we did chores while staying with them. My grandparents are long gone, but if I could say it to you then I hope they understand their influence. Thanks to both my maternal and paternal grandparents. I gained so much from all of you.

I do remember is learning how to swim like a fish and enjoying the water every chance I got, even if it was in lake water where you could not see the bottom! Thanks to mom and dad for letting us learn, but also thanks to all those teachers… I see you in my mind but cannot remember your names! Thanks!

I do remember is taking to the woods every time the opportunity presented itself. With a trusted pocket knife, a BB gun, a walking stick, even a pocket full of unshelled pecans… Whatever the situation called for. Too many folks to thank for this. My parents gave us liberty, but many others gave us the opportunity. Thanks!

I do remember are those wheeled adventures via bikes, go-kart, motorcycle… My cousin and I were allowed to take our Honda trail bikes down back roads and go all the way to Lake Houston long before we had a drivers license… Wouldn’t dream of letting kids do that today! Parents? Thanks! Lyn? Thanks for the great memories!

I do remember is getting my learners permit, drivers license and motorcycle endorsement… Seems Coach Davis was the Drivers Education teachers but long before him my parents gave me the opportunity! Thanks!

Maybe you should take some time and mine your memories for those things of past that have influenced you for today… and the future. So, my thought is that influencers are not simply people by name, but a collective of “things” that helped you become who you are.

Then, take that same powerful thinking process and ask the even deeper question…

Who and how am I influencing, and why… 

Just remember, the influence you exude today will be the next generation that will lead into the future. What you say, and do, is as important to them, as what was done for you…

Think about where you spend your time, and who you spend that time with. Our influence can be felt broader than the moment, but it is also the result of a lifetime.

One last thought… You are influenced by what you ingest. You know, your 5 senses? Watch out what you allow to influence you by who you associate with, and by how you spend your time… Just saying.

“You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” ~Jim Rohn”