We all have influence over our options and in turn, our options give us influence. It is not others who give us options, it is ourselves. We have the power to enable possibilities within our minds. “Practical” and “rational” are the enemies of this type of internal empowerment. They are self limiting concepts that must be removed before we can bask in the beauty of optional influence. When we make choices and establish preference, we are directing our energy to certain things rather than others. It is the consorted energetic effort that will yield results in our favor. Yet, for this to work we must know what “our favor” is. What is your preference? What things do you want to bring into your life experience? When asked what they truly want in like, many answer by stating that they want peace of mind.
Gaining and maintaining peace of mind is the result of optional influence. Choosing where you will direct your power and energy sends signals to the universe. We all have the option to exercise our influence over certain things. Similarly, we have the option to not exercise our influence or the internal power that resides within us. Whether it is a person, thing or circumstance, if it does not bring you joy, do not exercise your influence towards it.
This concept is simple, yet eludes many people because they give their influence and energy to not having that thing in their experience opposed to giving their influence to the things they do want. Optional influence is about the direction in which you choose to give your energy. Consistent misdirection will hold what you truly desire from you. Below are three steps to help maintain the direction of your desires while using optional influence.
1. Generate preference. Have a preference for everything that comes into your experience. By consciously making an effort to create a habit of preference for small, seemingly insignificant things you will develop a pattern that will begin to unfold itself in larger decisions.
2. Know your mood. Become aware of changes in your mood or disposition. This is an indicator that you are having an internal emotional reaction to the things that are happening around you. Stay tapped into your emotional guidance system always.
3. Structure your energy. It is not enough to whimsically give your attention to one thing or the other. Once you have made a decision about what you want, form an idea about how you will give it your attention and direct your energy to it. Move in a cycle of concept to plan to action continuously until you yield the results you desire.
Lyndsey Shaffer is the co- founder of the Onyx Six - Women of Color Business Network. Onyx Six is a business development network committed to creating a supportive and influential community of minority women entrepreneurs and professionals. Contact Lyndsey Shaffer by visiting http://www.lyndseyshaffer.com .