[ in-floo-uhns ]

noun

1. the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others: He used family influence to get the contract.
2. the action or process of producing effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of another or others: Her mother’s influence made her stay.
3. a person or thing that exerts influence: He is an influence for the good.

Definition Source

There are many sources of influence in your life. Different areas of your life may be affected by different sources.

Sometimes you can change the source of influence. But often, you need to work with the influence and tweak it so that it helps you reach your goals, rather than stand in your way.

Sources of influence range from internal to external and can be people or environment based.

Just as we aren’t always conscious of our daily habits, we often are unaware of all the influences that affect of in our day-to-day lives.

This section of articles explore the sources of influence in your life and how you can use them to your benefit.

If you are still confused about how you can change something that is an influence on your behavior, here’s an example. (There are many, many others.)

If you want to lose weight, and know that morning is the best time for you to get up and exercise, but you are still just. not. getting. up.

Fitness experts will often tell you to pick out your workout clothes the night before, and put them near your bed so they are Right There when your alarm goes off. Thereby removing at least one barrier to getting up and dressed for a workout.

That is an example of an environmental influence: Make it easy to get dressed for exercise in the morning.

I find this area of study fascinating because there is so much that can be done with the 6 sources of influence alone to help you achieve your goals.