Influence is seen as a power until it is actually exercised. It hangs like an aura , a halo that surrounds the influencer and we visualise the feats that can be performed with such influence. Influence may not always work and more often it may backfire. When exercised towards a selfish goal or undeserving material benefit in violation of ethics, even while yielding temporary results it could end unfavourably and the recipient of such favours may be left without recourse. In life it is often seen that things happen or they just don’t . Every event has a cause and effect, a trajectory of it’s own set in train by the sum total of circumstances and reactions which we may or may not be able to control thereby resulting in different outcomes. We must learn to command and control forces that are unleashed by our own behaviour and action before we ask someone to influence the result
Where we have the will power to direct our destiny through fair and just means there is no need for an external influence to turn the tide in our favour. There may be turns and twists on the path , perhaps even detours and we take them or leave them as warranted by our discretion, intuition, native wisdom and a prayer to the Supreme Intelligence. Even with a few misadventures or aberrations we may arrive at our destination successfully. Someone who looks at an influence to favour her, compromising her integrity and moral sense might never be happy with the outcome. Nor will one have that sense of self worth and competence to function effectively. Worse still , the results could boomerang and
one may suffer untold pain and humiliation and be back at square one to start afresh.
Nor does it mean life is mere mindless meandering that carries us where it will, rather we should take the bull by the horns and lead it where we want with virtue at the centre of all our efforts. Influence need not always be negative. You can influence people even without formal authority by virtue of strong relationships, effective communication, above all with compassion and empathy. When we see someone treading the wrong path, someone who feels lost out on life,or suffering from the weight of guilt or resentment unable to forgive herself or others, is where the good influencer steps in and marks a change.