Get your Glow on!
Jim Rohn (1930-2009), made a classic observation when he said, “You are the average of the five people you spend most time with.” That is quite sobering if you take the next few seconds to consider who do you spend most of your time with. If those five people are overweight, alcoholic, maybe depressed or discouraged, it’s very possible that you might be too. But the converse can be true as well, if those five people are Happy, Healthy and Wealthy, you are more likely to be as well.
I think the phenomenon that Jim Rohn was alluding to here was something called “emotion contagion.” By definition emotion contagion is “having one person's emotions and related behaviours directly trigger similar emotions and behaviours in other people.” Let me give you a simplistic example to explain, have you ever looked at someone and they smile at you and you consciously respond with a smile and sometimes even unconsciously. Because we know is that emotion contagion happens both consciously and unconsciously, the importance for us to be intentional about who we spend time with is critical, as you want to both consciously and unconsciously ensure that the people we spend time with have emotions and behaviours worth contracting.
During World War II, Germany bombed London for 57 days, attacking churches, schools and hospitals mostly at night. This daily bombing became known as the “Blitz” which was the German word for lightning. One would think that Londoners would have become discouraged, depressed and even given up their will to live, with so much death and destruction surrounding them. But on the contrary, Londoners were stronger than ever. They came together, strengthened their resolve and eventually defeated Nazi Germany. I am sure like me, you are thinking how was that possible? Well for one, it takes Great Leadership! And some additional support from America with additional ammunition.
Winston Churchill became Prime Minister during this time, and he gave some of the most electrifying speeches that boosted the confidence and courage of Londoners. During the most darkest time in London’s history, people had hope, and the Airforce not only got the physical ammunition they needed, they found the emotional ammunition they needed to strike back.
Winston Churchill is well known for his quote “We are all worms. But I do believe I am a glow worm.”
Churchill was certainly a glow worm, who understood that his emotion contagion could inspire an entire nation in the face of adversity. Churchill through his speeches exuded confidence, strength of character and courage that his people needed in order to save their nation, and well life as we currently know it.
John Maxwell says “ Everything rises and falls on Leadership.” The first person you lead is yourself. So you have a responsibility to do the work to get your glow on. That means growing daily, being a life long learner, and spreading positive vibes to those around you and ultimately being a responsible custodian of your emotions and behaviours and its impact on others.
Heres something to think about!
Are you a glow worm spreading hope and inspiration?
If yes — we need more of you in the world. If not! It’s never too late to change your perspective
Are you surrounded by at least five other other glow worms? If yes - yay for you!
If not - find me on social media - you will at least have one glow worm friend.. and I am sure we will find a whole lot of glow worms together ☺️
Finally all I have to say is ….. “ In a world full of worms…. BE A GLOW WORM”
