The world around us is a mirror of who we are, and every small action we take ripples out to influence others in ways we might not even realise.
In this post, you’ll discover how important your role is in creating change and how taking responsibility for your actions can help you change the world.
Navigate to where you want to go:
- The Invisible Influence
- How We Absorb Behaviors
- Growth Begins Where Excuses End
- You Shape Your Environment—And It Shapes You
- Small changes, Big impact
- Conclusion
The Invisible Influence
Each of us is shaped by what surrounds us—our environment, the people we interact with, and the experiences we encounter. Yet, we often forget that we are also an active part of this dynamic, influencing others in countless ways. Everything we do matters.
For example, the way you speak to a friend can inspire them to rethink how they want to be treated by others. Handling a workplace conflict with calmness and objectivity can show your supervisor that disagreements can be resolved respectfully, potentially making them a better leader.
However, this influence goes both ways. If you witness someone mistreating strangers with disrespect or a lack of understanding, your mind might subconsciously normalize such behavior. This is just how our minds naturally operate.
How We Absorb Behaviors
Humans are inherently social beings with an innate ability to observe, adapt, and mirror the behaviors of those around us—an essential trait deeply rooted in our psychology and evolution.
This tendency has historically been a survival mechanism, fostering safety, belonging, and cooperation within groups. Psychologist Albert Bandura’s social learning theory highlights how we absorb behaviors by observing others, particularly when actions are reinforced or punished, allowing us to internalize these cues into our own behavioral patterns.
Additionally, neuroscience reveals that mirror neurons play a key role in this process, activating when we observe others’ actions, helping us learn, empathize, and connect on a deeper level.
Whether consciously or unconsciously, we continuously take in environmental and social cues, shaping our thoughts, actions, and values over time.
I’m sure you’ve experienced this with a friend—when you spend so much time together that you start picking up their accent, using the same words or phrases, or even mimicking the way they talk.
Growth Begins Where Excuses End
As we grow, we become responsible for our reactions and the impressions we leave on others.
And here’s the hard truth: even when someone triggers you, it’s your responsibility to deal with it. It’s up to you to reflect on why you were triggered, work on resolving the underlying issue, and use the experience to grow into a better version of yourself.
One of the hardest steps in this process is admitting that, sometimes, we are the problem. It’s tough to believe because we like to think we behave well. But the reality is, we often resist acknowledging our mistakes, especially when dealing with someone we find challenging or frustrating. Yet, these situations are exactly where the greatest opportunities for growth lie.
A friend once told me I had changed her life, which was incredible to hear.
The truth is, she unknowingly changed my life as well. This mutual influence is a powerful reminder of how interconnected we all are—and how we have the power to change the world.
You Shape Your Environment—And It Shapes You
You’ve likely heard of the exercise where you examine the five people closest to you and how they shape your life.
In Tara Swart’s book The Source, she expands on the idea that the five people closest to us have a profound impact on our lives due to the neurological and psychological influence they exert.
Swart explains that our brains are highly adaptable and susceptible to the energy, habits, and values of those we frequently interact with.
This is because of neural mirroring and the brain’s natural tendency to absorb behaviors and emotions from others, which can either help or hinder our personal growth. It’s a simple but profound example of how deeply we are influenced by those around us and, in turn, how we influence them.
This interconnectedness is a constant reminder of our potential to foster personal growth, improve our relationships, and, ultimately, change the world—starting with ourselves.
Be yourself, embrace open-mindedness, respect different perspectives, and avoid causing harm intentionally as you inspire meaningful change today!
Small changes, Big impact
What should you do when you find yourself surrounded by people who don’t align with the type of relationships you want?
I’m writing about this because a recent conversation with a friend really got me thinking. She was sharing stories about one of her friends, and let’s just say they were far from positive. This person wasn’t contributing anything meaningful to the friendship, the relationship didn’t feel good, and my friend constantly found herself questioning this person’s behavior. When I asked why she continued spending time with them, her answer was, “Because I don’t have anyone else around right now.”
I completely understood where she was coming from because I’ve been in a similar situation myself. But here’s the thing—I would rather spend that time alone, focusing on my own growth and working on other areas of my life, than stay in a relationship that doesn’t feel right.
Holding on to the wrong people who don’t align with your values only takes up space that the right people could fill.
Sometimes, it’s better to be patient and trust that the right connections will come when you create the space for them.
A common example of this is the workplace. The people you work with aren’t necessarily ones you’ve chosen to be around. They’re simply individuals who happen to work for the same company.
I can assure you that there will always be at least one person whose behavior doesn’t align with your values or preferences. So, what can you do? It’s not about changing them; it’s about staying true to yourself, setting strong boundaries, and maintaining self-respect. When you do this, they lose the power to affect you. I know this from personal experience—it’s something I’ve been through myself.
Conclusion
Change starts and ends with you. When you become the best version of yourself, you empower others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of positivity and growth.
Take one small step today—whether it’s reflecting on a recent interaction, owning your responsibility in a conflict, or choosing to respond with kindness in a challenging situation.
By changing yourself, you can change the world. And isn’t that a journey worth embarking on?
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