Uncovering Your Power Style: Finding Your Authentic Influence
Reflection Question: In which way(s) do you most seek power in your life?
There are no wrong answers here. I’m all about personal power and maximizing the power we hold in all areas of our lives.
When we hear the phrase “power-hungry,” we might think of a ruthless politician, a micromanaging boss, or anyone who is willing to manipulate and exploit others for their own personal gain.
But here’s what I’ve come to discover — we are all hungry for power, in our own ways, whether we realize it or not.
We are all “power-hungry.”
There’s no better feeling than feeling empowered. I believe this is what drives us all to do what we do. But how we each seek that power is different, based on our own values, personality, life experiences, and psychological makeup.
I asked Gemini to give me the definition of “power.”
Power is the ability to determine one’s own life circumstances and to exert influence over the environment, allowing for the achievement of goals and the satisfaction of core personal needs (such as autonomy, competence, and connection).
Defines “power” better than what I would have come up with, so let’s go with this. At our deepest level, we’re all seeking a sense of security and a sense of control.
When we feel a sense of power, we feel both security and control. We get to decide, though, how we want this power to show up in our lives.
Some examples of how we seek out power:
In our attempts to feel empowered, many of u end up in positions of power and then abusing that power. Crossing boundaries, acting in ways that hurt others, etc. are examples that I won’t give here. I believe that type of power is unstable and ultimately weak.
Some of us seek power through eating healthy, in order to preserve your life. Some prioritize money (which is valid!) as a way to experience the power of material freedom. Some of us are minimalists, as a way to experience the power of non-dependence. Some of us seek to constantly learn and expand our worldview to experience the power of competence. Filling our schedules can give us the power of forcing others to adhere to our timelines. Some of us donate to charities to experience the power of moral / spiritual rewards. The examples are endless.
In which ways do you feel most powerful? How do you feel most authentic, in-control, and secure (without trying to control others or outcomes)?
One way that I personally seek out power is through “self-sovereignty,” — building a sense of independence and autonomy in as many areas of my life as possible so that nothing or no one can dictate my choices. I highly value being able to live life according to my own terms, and this is something I aim to promote through my small business as well.
Owning your power through your business.
Once you figure out how you most experience personal power, you can then understand the single most important message you want to give to your clients or customers. Your power is what others will be drawn to. Your understanding and embodiment of your own definition of power is like a magnet that immediately draws people — the right people — over to you. They either mirror your definition of power or are in need of it.
- Valerie