An architect was driving through town when he saw a bulldozer demolishing an old house. He recalled his first construction job was operating a bulldozer, so he pulled over to watch and got out of his pickup.
The bulldozer’s operator saw him and asked, “Can I help you?”
They talked for a bit about horsepower. Then the operator observed, “It’s not the power that counts; it’s how you use it. This baby is geared for power.”
My good friend Nido Qubein, president of High Point University in North Carolina, shared: “All of us have more power in our minds, personalities and talents than we can ever use. We just have to learn to apply that power effectively.”
He added: “There is no secret to it. You have to focus on activities that contribute to the greatest value in your life and do more of those, while eliminating the activities that contribute little or no value to your life and are a meaningless investment of your energy.”
To effectively use the power we possess, it is essential to understand the multifaceted nature of power itself, which includes our intellectual, emotional and physical capacities. Some of the best ways that I have found to utilize power are to:
Harness fear constructively. Recognize that fear can be a powerful motivator rather than a paralyzing force. Let it propel you forward to face challenges head-on, transforming fear into action.
Eliminate excuses. To step into your power, you must take full responsibility for your actions and their outcomes. Excuses diminish our potential; overcoming them empowers us to create change.
Cultivate hope, faith and love. These three elements are crucial to harnessing your power. Hope keeps you looking forward. Faith gives you the belief in what you cannot see. And love drives passion and purpose in your endeavors.
Smile more. Never underestimate the power of a smile. It can disarm negativity, create connections and spread positivity, enhancing both your influence and resilience.
Live with integrity. Integrity is the cornerstone of trust and credibility. It amplifies your power by establishing you as a reliable and ethical individual, which is critical in all aspects of life.
Embrace enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is infectious and can significantly boost your ability to inspire and motivate others, as well as yourself. It is a catalyst for creativity and achievement.
Encourage youth. Passing knowledge and encouragement to younger generations not only empowers them but also reinforces your understanding and commitment to growth.
Utilize your brain. Engage in continuous learning and critical thinking. Your brain’s capacity for problem-solving and innovation is immense when you actively seek to expand your knowledge and challenge your perspectives.
Practice self-reflection. Regularly take time to reflect on your values, goals and actions. It’s a powerful tool for personal growth and aligning your actions with your deepest beliefs.
Take action. Knowledge and power are potential energies that require action to produce results. Implement what you learn, take risks and make decisions that align with your goals and values.
These principles can help you harness your power to not only achieve personal growth but also make a positive impact on the world around you.
I realized early on the profound impact that positive reinforcement and guidance could have on individuals, especially those just starting out or facing challenges. This understanding led me to actively mentor young professionals and students, sharing knowledge, experience and most importantly, encouragement.
There was a particular instance with a young person who was incredibly passionate about starting a business but was overwhelmed by the fear of failure and the daunting aspects of entrepreneurship. He had the vision and the drive but was stuck in a cycle of doubt and hesitation.
I offered practical advice on business planning and management to instill confidence and belief in his abilities. I encouraged him to set small, achievable goals, celebrate each success, learn from setbacks and gradually build the resilience and determination needed to pursue his dreams.
What made this experience so memorable was witnessing the transformation of this young entrepreneur. Eventually he launched a successful business that not only fulfilled his personal ambitions but also created job opportunities for others. This experience showed me that sometimes the most impactful way we can use our power is by empowering others to realize their potential and pursue their dreams.
Mackay’s Moral: The greatest power is often shown not in how we elevate ourselves, but in how we lift others up.
