If you ask someone who they think is the most influential person in history, you are likely to hear names like: Abraham Lincoln, Jesus, Michelangelo, Ghandi, Oprah, and Steve Jobs.

TIME magazine publishes The 100 Most Influential People issue each year.  Their recipients are placed in the following categories:

• Titans
• Pioneers
• Artists
• Leaders
• Icons

The dictionary defines influence as the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

Read that definition again slowly.

The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone…

Do you realize the incredible amount of influence you have right now?

You have influence on your family, your friends, your co-workers, the teller at the bank, your neighbor, the child you tutor…the list goes on.

Every interaction you have, every word that comes from your mouth, every look you give, has the power to influence someone—in a good way, or a bad way.

Influence is a double-edged sword, isnt’ it?  Jesus and Hitler were two very influential people, with two very different outcomes.  A parent making good decisions vs. a parent making bad decisions—both influential, with two very different outcomes.  A loyal friend vs. someone who betrays—both influential, with two very different outcomes.

The choice in how you influence others is yours.

You may not end up on the cover of TIME magazine, but that doesn’t matter.  You have the power to be an influential person–choose to be one of good influence, you probably already are.

Following are traits I see in the most influential people:

Honest.
Kind.
Helpful.
Encouraging.
Neighborly.
Supportive.
Understanding.
Forgiving.
Listens.
Receptive.
Shares their knowledge.
Loving.

Who is/was the most influential person in your life and why?  I would love to hear about this person.  Leave your comments below.

Have a great day!

Jill xx