influence

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November 16, 2022

Why Most People Struggle to Be Authentic

Most people don't intentionally hide who they are. Instead, they slowly learn which parts of themselves feel safe to share and which parts feel risky. We introduce ourselves by our job title, degree, hometown, or company because those identities are easy for other people to understand. But our interests, dreams, failures, and passions often remain hidden. I've found that authenticity isn't about sharing everything with everyone—it's about having the courage to let people see who you really are when it matters.

September 3, 2022

Most People Don’t Think About Their Legacy Until It’s Too Late

Most people think about legacy near the end of life. I think that's a mistake. Legacy isn't something created during our final years. It's being built every day through our actions, relationships, habits, and decisions. Long before people remember us after we're gone, they experience the impact we're having while we're still here. The way we treat our spouse. The way we raise our children. The way we encourage friends. The way we show up at work. The way we respond when life becomes difficult. Whether we realize it or not, we're all building a legacy. The real question is whether we're building one intentionally.

October 28, 2021

How to Build Influence Without Sacrificing Your Values

Influence has always existed. Parents influence children. Teachers influence students. Friends influence one another. Authors influence readers. Leaders influence organizations. Social media simply made influence more visible. Today, anyone can build an audience online, but not all influence is created equally. Some people pursue attention at any cost. Others focus on building trust, credibility, and long-term relationships. In this article, I share lessons learned from growing my own online audience, working with brands, and navigating the opportunities and challenges that come with becoming a value-driven influencer.

October 3, 2020

How to Stand Out by Becoming a Highlighter Person

Most people spend their lives trying to stand out by talking louder, promoting themselves more aggressively, or drawing attention to their own accomplishments. Yet the people who make the biggest impact are often doing the opposite. They listen before speaking. They elevate other people. They amplify good ideas. They create clarity in noisy environments. Years ago, my wife shared a simple phrase that completely changed how I think about influence: "Be a highlighter in a room full of crayons." The idea is simple but powerful. While crayons constantly draw attention to themselves, highlighters draw attention to what matters. This article explores why highlighter people are so rare, why they stand out, and how becoming one can transform your relationships, leadership, and influence.