Get your Glow on!
The much loved 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 sobering if you take the next few minutes to consider who do you spend most of your time with. Chances are, if those five people are dissatisfied, discouraged maybe even despressed, it’s very possible that you might be too. But the opposite 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 an over-simplistic example to explain, have you ever glanced at a stranger and they smile at you and you find yourself smiling back unconsciously. Well, that is how emotion contagion works, and it happens both consciously and unconsciously. This is why choosing who you hang out with becomes so crticially important. Some other famous person said (it could also be your mum) - “Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are!” The famous person or mum knew something about “contagions” clearly. Whether we like it or not we are consciously and unconsciously being influenced by those around us. So, we 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 even possible? Well for one, it takes Great Leadership! And some support from America friends with additional ammunition (yes yes - I know what you are thinking.. but war, ammunition and arms trading might be a conversation for another day … just stick with me here….)
Winston Churchill became Prime Minister during this devastating time, yet 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 British 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 and 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. Ultimately being a responsible custodian of your emotions and behaviours and understanding its impact on others.
Here’s the challenge:
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 get your glow on!
Are you surrounded by at least five other other glow worms? If yes - yay for you! If not, I will be your friend, and at least you will have one glow worm friend.. and I am sure we will find a whole lot of glow worms together ☺️
Finally….. “In a world full of worms…. BE A GLOW WORM”
