What if emotions aren’t given so much emphasis? What if they simply indicate the way we’ve been focusing our thoughts?
Maybe emotions are just data to consider and if that’s true, maybe we can intentionally lead our emotions where we want them to be.
Have you ever noticed that you are able to muster up certain emotions you want? How did you do it?
Have you ever seen an athlete prepare mentally for their event? Or thought of how an actor might have prepared for an emotional scene? How do you think they do it?
Do you think it might be possible to get ahead of emotions as a regular way of being? If so, what an advantage it would be to be able to plan in advance how we would prefer to feel and know exactly how to hang out there more often.
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.
