Impacting Others by Design

Have you ever stopped to think about how your words and actions affect those around you? It's easy to assume that we're just passing through people's lives, but the truth is that we all have the power to make a meaningful impact on those we interact with.

This came to mind when I read a book called Maame by Jessica George, and this one line really stuck with me: "People don't just affect you, but you affect others." Reading this made me wonder how often we think about the impact we have on others.

The main character went on to say, "I assume people meet me, I leave, and their world carries on like it did before I arrived." It's a funny (and slightly depressing) thought, but it's also a reminder that like a human battery, we can leave a trail of encouragement by powering people up or we can leave a trail of exhaustion by draining the life out of them.

So, today I want to share a piece of your chart that might help you consider how your defined also known as your consistent energy centers may be impacting another person’s energy.

Before you read further, grab your chart and notice which shapes are colored in. If all are colored in your consistent energies will be a darker shade. Don’t have your chart yet? Click here to get it.

Inspiration - Have you ever been in a situation where you needed help sorting out your thoughts, but you ended up making others feel like they had to drop everything to assist you? Or maybe you've been the one with a great idea that everyone seemed to jump on right away, even if it didn't align with their own goals. It's important to be mindful of these things and give people the space and time they need to make their own decisions without feeling rushed or guilty. Being supportive means respecting others' autonomy and allowing them to make their own choices.

Mental Awareness - You might unintentionally be influencing others to adopt your perspective. It would be beneficial to avoid making them feel like your way is the only correct way and instead, encourage them to think independently while utilizing your insights as an additional layer of thought.

Expression - Instead of dominating the conversation and leaving little room for others to share naturally, try to invite and create opportunities for spontaneous and in-the-moment contributions from others. This will allow everyone to feel heard and included.

Identity - It's important to remember that not everyone has a clear sense of identity. Pressuring someone to have one can be unhelpful, as it may not come as naturally to them as it does to you. Instead, try to support them in expressing themselves authentically in the moment, rather than assuming they will be like you.

Motivation - It's important to understand that not everyone is capable of doing what you can. Avoid pressuring others into making commitments that may be tough for them to fulfill, or pushing them beyond their limits to prove themselves, which can lead to burnout. Keep in mind that some people may only feel motivated when you're around, so be a positive influence but don't become overly reliant on it.

Emotions - As an individual who can influence the emotional atmosphere of a room, your positive emotions can brighten up the space, while negative emotions can dampen the mood. It is important to allow yourself to experience and process your emotions and when necessary, taking some time for yourself can be beneficial.

Passion - If you feel tired and frustrated with something, avoid letting those negative emotions affect those around you. Instead, acknowledge your feelings and take steps to address them without spreading negativity. This way, you can get what you need without bringing others down.

Intuition - When you prioritize your own self-care, you can create a sense of safety, security, and positivity for those around you. However, neglecting your own well-being can inadvertently encourage others to give up on things that are beneficial for them.

Timing - It is possible for those around you to sense your stress and become stressed themselves. However, when you feel composed and serene, your energy can have a calming effect on others.

Here's the tea: Our presence doesn't just take up physical space, but it takes up mental and emotional space too, even after we've left the conversation. So, what if we considered how we might be affecting someone when we share space with them?

While we can't control how anyone thinks, receives, or processes information, we can control how we show up in their space. Here are a few more tips to leave a meaningful footprint on someone's mental and emotional space after you've left to carry on in your world:

  • Ask if they want you to listen or if they're open to hearing your thoughts

  • Ask questions to better understand their perspective

  • Listen without judging

  • Allow for silent pauses, don't rush to fill the space

  • Let them decide when they are ready to hear your thoughts

If you want to talk more about the imprints you might be leaving behind, helpful or draining, grab your Human Design chart and hop into an insight session so we can talk about it.

Remember, we all have the power to make a meaningful impact on those around us. Let's make our mark in a good way.

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