“There are two things which will make us happy in this life if we attend to them. The first is never to vex ourselves about what we cannot help; and the second is never to vex ourselves about what we can help.” –Anonymous
“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” –Ovid
“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” –Sir John Lubbock
“A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow.” – Charlotte Brontë
“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” –Etty Hillesum
Giving people near and far the benefit of the doubt as often as possible about the little mundane things in life helps make you a force for good and the World, in general, a better place.
In the final sum of things, though, it probably helps you most of all. It helps to keep stress levels low and keeps you focused on more of what you want rather than fussing about all you see that you don’t appreciate.
It helps to realize in advance the kinds of relationship transactions you prefer and to appreciate them when you see them. You can also lean towards patience with others by knowing that everyone is doing the best they can at the moment, just like you are.
There are many ways to define personal power. Here are some to consider.
Personal power is being in control of your life.
Personal power is the ability to achieve what you want.
Personal power equals the control of resources.
Powerful people are focused on their goals.
Powerful people take impactful action.
Personal power is the ability to influence others.
Personal power is freedom.
ON A SCALE FROM WEAKEST TO STRONGEST
Now, of course, power can be used positively or negatively. It has been said that being forceful is the weakest power of all. Brute strength often only yields negativity and resentment; and only short term gain. A much stronger use of power is to use charm and positive influence to help others build their power. This is a much longer-lasting strategy with easily seen benefits including increasing the power of the initial charmer.
TUNE IN
Be an observer of yourself throughout your days. Take periodic attitude checks. Begin to recognize when you feel apathy, negativity, or just generally stuck. Use those feelings as a signal to alert you that you have lost touch with your personal power. Once you are able to recognize what it feels like when your power is depleted, then you can start to experiment and find what works to make you feel powerful again. At that point, you will be cued into a key cycle that you can use to manage yourself to success.
FOR A POWER BOOST
Think about a time when you had power and let your body and your mind feel it.
Practice non-reaction. Don’t let others goad you. Instead pause. Respond calmly when thoughtful and ready.
