Life is all lessons…ignorance is not a destiny…
Many times I am impressed and mystified whenever I see or meet powerful people. I ask myself, “What makes these power people the way they are?” You can feel their influence oozing from them even though you don’t have any idea of who they are; the way they speak and act is enough to convey the kind of power they possess. Does these important people born with this capability or have they evolved to become that way?
In my search for answers I have allowed myself to espouse the company of books. Little did I know that I will discover one of the most important elements of power: Knowledge. The wider a person’s knowledge, the better is his understanding; and with such sufficient understanding comes the awareness of one’s capacity to exercise power. Despite all men being created equal, what elevates one to power is the knowledge he acquires regarding some truths about the reality of things. A financial tycoon earns his power through his vast knowledge of handling assets; a prominent politician commands influence because of his wide understanding of the mechanics of politics affecting the general public; an underground mogul becomes extremely influential because of his comprehensive knowledge of the complexity of the underground trade. Whether one uses power to serve or to corrupt, it is all sourced on the person’s range of knowing.
Contrary to the belief of many, every skill can be learned. The problem with most people is that they don’t give themselves the opportunity to further themselves through expanding their knowledge. Some dream themselves of commanding influence yet does nothing to find out how it can be done. Remember, knowledge is a prerequisite of power, without knowledge there can be no opportunity to exercise power. I you want to excel in any area of your choice it is imperative that you employ the discipline of learning. The great and the wise have long before decoded the secret of domination, and such is the plain understanding of how the enterprise of life works.
I’m sure some will say that knowledge per see is not the source of power but rather its application. But I believe that application is also within the context of knowledge: application itself is a knowledge one has to learn.
Now then, let me share with you the methods over which one can acquire knowledge, hence power:
Reading books
It is unfortunate that most people perceive the productive activity of book reading—especially those intellectually stimulating ones—as a drab. But you’ll be surprised at what reading can do with your understanding of reality. There are a lot of good books as gibberish ones. If you are really into expanding your understanding about the many facets of life, reading good books will indeed change the way you see certain aspects of life—I have. Let me qualify however that not all activities of book reading are beneficial. Only those that serves to further one’s knowledge about important matter of our existence deserves consideration. Book reading will only be beneficial so long as you have assimilated the wisdom it brings and implement the same in your life.
People of power are wide readers; they understood the fact that one’s lifetime is not enough to experience all that needs to be experienced in order to broaden ones understanding; therefore they rely on books to know what there is to know, sans experience. So never underestimate the power of reading books, for in it lies the knowing that will make you stand above the rest. If you don’t believe me then I will suggest a powerful book at the end of this composition for you to read, then you’ll be the judge.
Being observant
Did you know that you can learn a lot just by merely observing? Powerful individuals are very well versed with this simple strategy of gaining power. They know that to rush judgment would jeopardize their credibility, and so they are careful.
Being observant is not the preferred practice amongst many. We are rather reactive when it comes to dealing with situation; we response to certain stimulus without giving any thought. One characteristic of power is being above any circumstances to clearly see the bigger picture. Have you observed powerful individuals? Notice how they prefer silence over reaction; beneath such silence is a wise brewing of effective ways of response. They know when to act as well as when to be still.
Self reflection
Last but equally important is self reflection. The more you see yourself, the better you will see your errors, and with such come the opportunity to enhance your understanding. Powerful individual admits their mistakes—albeit in silence—and evolve therefrom. They are well aware that if they continue with their errors, their influence will be at stake, and their effectiveness will diminish.
Now you know what makes a person powerful and I hope you will discover your own through the methods I have shared here. Remember, the number of things a person knows determines his capacity for power. If we chose to stand above the rest we must commit to expanding our awareness through gaining knowledge, awareness and observing.
To give you a start in discovering your own power, I want to share with you a powerful book that has inspired me, and I know it will touch you the same way as it has touched me. It is a story about a man who wants to succeed yet doesn’t know how, until he was met by a puzzle that will change his life forever. If you want to know his important discovery on how to succeed in life I suggest you follow his story: A rich man’s secret by the financial educator and self made millionaire Ken Roberts.
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Whether it’s breaking from poverty, getting your dream job, succeeding in business endeavors, losing weight, finding employment, getting a harmonious relationship, acquiring wealth and power, writing that bestselling book or any goals you want to materialize, there’s a force within you that will always inhibit you from achieving success. 99% of those who attempted with their goals fail, and the reason is their lack of knowledge about their very own participation in their failures. Our early conditioning programs us to fail but by identifying and overcoming them, success will favor your efforts. Let me help you in identifying them in my ebook below at a very low expense on your part.
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Hey Walter,
You nailed it…and it makes so much sense. The simple answer and the key to influence is knowledge. That is why we can never stop learning. Great post!
J
The Cartoon Coach
Carstarphen recently posted..Are Your Weaknesses Defeating You
Thanks Buddy. With knowledge on our side we could indeed make an influence to others. How do you think the gurus make it.
Well said, Walter. I have not read that one, but Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” was a transformational book for me. I recognize the value of a good book when I read it, AND I don’t assume I have mentally digested it in one reading. The best way to treat the mind so it serves you is to offer your mind an opinion, insight or working principal of life – drip, drip, drip – one idea at a time.
Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” has also changed the way I look at things. In fact I have read it five times and I’m still captivated. Truly, it is all in the mind. What the mind can perceive, the body can achieve.
Walter recently posted..What do you think makes a person powerful
Hi Walter,
I have known and worked for a few powerful people. One of my bosses was U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy and the man was a legend. What I have always noticed with such people was that they are authentic and there wasn’t any bs or ego crap. They were intense, down to earth and keenly aware of the importance of hard work. Not to mention…every single one was full of passion.
And thank you for the book recommendation. I will add that to my list.
Nadia – Happy Lotus Lifestyles recently posted..Branding- Visuals Matter and How to Begin Crafting Your Brand
They would have not acted that way had they not known some wisdom about life. I’m well aware that they are well learned and they are wise enough to take heed of the knowledge they’ve acquired throughout their years. With such knowledge they know how to act in such a way that would command influence.
Hi Walter,
Nice article, In regards to reading, many people underestimate the power of reading. The more the person reads, the more that person gains knowledge and hence becomes powerful. Thanks for sharing
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Thanks Dia. One great benefits of reading is that you will learn from the experience of others. And such learning you can also apply to your life.
Hi Walter!
I’m on board with “every skill can be learned.” We are way more competent and powerful than we give ourselves credit for.
Self reflection is a wonderful practice. It can get us on the right track to uncovering our potential.
Thanks for such deep thoughts! Loving blessings!
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We are more powerful more than we could ever think, but most of the time we don’t know how to unleash such power. Many are not aware that learning can make us grow to realize our own potential.
Walter,
For me true powerful person who has control over his emotion. I am totally awe of these of people as I am not there yet but that is something I am striving for. That is more powerful to me than any money, and strength one can have.
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Controlling one’s emotions comes with self mastery. This is where self reflection comes. Without knowing one’s self first it would be difficult to master one’s emotions.
I think there is something else apart from knowledge that gives someone power. I know some very knowledgeable people who are not powerful. And some powerful people who don’t seem very knowledgeable. The ability to think logically and be able to come up with an answer within a few seconds makes a powerful person also. And Charisma makes some powerful
I agree with you on this Julieanne. However, knowledge also comes with application. One’s learning is useless unless she puts it into practice. And such principle also needs some knowing.
Walter recently posted..What do you think makes a person powerful
The 48 laws of power do
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Hi Peter, I also have a copy of that book and it’s one of my favorites. In fact, I’m applying some of its principle in my interaction with others.
Walter recently posted..What do you think makes a person powerful
Great Question Walter, I don’t think its just one thing that makes anyone powerful, I would say knowledge and money. If you just have knowledge people will think if he/she is so smart how come they are not rich, if you just have money then people will think he/she probably got lucky, but if you have both that probably makes you powerful,
Marios
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Indeed Marios the combination of the two are deadly. Having both knowledge and money, you can rule the world.
When I first saw the question posed above, I immediately though “money.” That’s a shallow answer but we can’t deny that sometimes it’s the truth. Money makes a lot of people powerful and that’s just how our world works. It isn’t always money that may make someone powerful. There’s talent, intelligence, and experience, too.
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Hi Walter:
I agree that knowledge – and it’s application are very important elements of power. Especially the application part. I also like what you said about being observant and taking part in a healthy dose of self reflection. Observing and listening are two under appreciated qualities that we can have. Thanks for sharing some great information.
Walter,
Very good points on the idea that success equals knowledge and the utilization of that knowledge.
I love to read a good book that stimulates my mind with new concepts or ideas. Observation is one I hadn’t consciously thought of, but I realize I do that all the time. Cool
Self reflection – I like that you added that. We do have to reflect and evaluate the information we gather and see how it b est fits into our dreams.
Thanks for giving me food for thought today,
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Val
Hi Walter,
You’ve touched some nice points in this post. I see that you are talking about powerful people here, not necessarily successful people.
I have a slightly different opinion on that. I think action backed by confidence makes a person more powerful, than one who has knowledge but neither takes action nor has confidence. I have seen a lot of people who are more powerful because of their network, or because of just their position too!
Knowledge is certainly important, and if that is taken forward with confidence and action, power is sure to be seen.
What’s your opinion?
By the way, thank you for dropping by my site earlier today.
Wishing you success,
Mark
Mark of Success recently posted..The Master Key To Success
Books is the starting line for knowledge, people should take advantage of it..because hey its FRee.
“TrafficColeman “Signing Off”
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Walter,
This is very well said. I too believe that knowledge is power. And so much can be learned from observation outwardly and also inwardly in the form of self-reflection. These are definitely the qualities of a truly powerful person.
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Nice post walter! Both knowledge and experiments on knowledge are important. Real knowledge comes from the experiences, there is nothing as such without experiences.
Personally, I believe the greatest power that a human being possess is the effectiveness that he or she can mobilize people to action, like supporting a cause or helping donate to an organization or disaster relief.
The object of the mobilization must be inherently good or positive, however, because goodness and positivity resonate so strongly among the human species and can spread contagiously, like a virus
All my best,
Dave