“Being” Powerful

Today, Forbes came out with their “100 Most Powerful Women” list.  I read all about it while on the elliptical machine at the gym (gotta love the iPad!). The methodology that Forbes used to rank the women was based on the following three metrics: 1) Financial worth  2) Media exposure (social & traditional) 3) Their “reaches” or power bases they impact.  CLICK HERE for the full list.

After reading the Forbes article, I randomly decided to watch one of Deepak Chopra’s videos that I had just imported into my iPad all about happiness. “Coincidentally”, in this video, Deepak shared information about a study that was conducted about money and happiness. Researchers found that most people who make it on the annual Forbes list are actually unhappy, despite all their money & power. What?  You mean having lots of money & power doesn’t equal happiness?! Shocker, eh?

So as I was driving home, I started thinking about what power means to me and how much my interpretation has changed throughout the years. When I was a kid, I used to think of people like the president & those with lots of money as powerful. As I entered my teens, I added movie stars to the list and basically any famous person that I idolized. Like most, I placed these “powerful” people on a pedestal.

Today, when I think about power, I no longer think of rich or famous people as a default. To me, truly powerful people are those who are taking full responsibility for how they’re showing up in this world. You see, energy is contagious. If you’re around someone who is draining, you can feel that toxic energy. If you’re around someone who is positive and inspiring, it lifts you up.  So, just how we’re BEING has a great influence on others & creates a ripple effect in this world.

I’ve found that the most effective way to start owning your power & make it work for you vs. against you (and others!) is by taking responsibility for the power of your thoughts and what you focus on. Reclaim your true power one conscious thought at a time. Sounds elementary, but by simply making it a goal to choose thoughts that make you feel good, you will change your life as well as the lives of those around you.

Like Mahatma Gandhi said, “BE the change you want to see in the world.“

Such simple yet powerful words. Would love to hear about your interpretation of “power”.