Paul Brian
What effect do you have on people?
For many of us the question may be confusing or unclear. But it’s an important thing to ask ourselves.
Some individuals possess a remarkable ability to uplift those around them with just a few words.
A positive shift in mood becomes palpable in their presence.
Wondering if you fit this description? Here’s how to tell:
1) You’re a source of motivation for others
A primary indicator of your ability to inspire positivity is your knack for motivating others.
When you come on the scene, people take notice: they get busy and get motivated. They look to you as a cheerleader and inspiration.
Whether on a challenging hike or during a grueling workout, your encouraging words spur your companions to push through.
At other times your kindness and soft approach is exactly what people need to feel understood and motivated. You’re not just a gung-ho macho person in other words.
As psychologist Andy Tix, PhD. writes:
“As the pioneering motivation psychologist Abraham Maslow once put it: ‘if the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.’”
Your impact is tangible; people respond to your encouragement, making strides they may not have thought possible. Unsure of your influence?
Put it to the test and observe the results.
2) You’re adept at finding the silver lining
Another telltale sign of your uplifting nature is your propensity to find the positive in most situations.
Even on dreary days, you’re quick to highlight upcoming holidays or create joyous moments in the middle of adversity and hardship
Your good attitude isn’t just relaxed and passive; you actively cultivate positivity in the lives of others, brightening their outlooks.
By finding the silver lining in people, situations and difficult scenarios, you help other folks see that it’s not time to give up and that there’s still hope.
This ties into the next point as well:
3) Your humor uplifts and you appreciate the humor of others, too
However funny you may or may not be, your ability to use humor as a tool for boosting other people sets you apart as a positive influence.
Employing affiliative humor, you uplift others without resorting to mockery.
Whether lightening up tense situations or bolstering self-esteem, your jokes have a transformative effect, fostering resilience and self-awareness in those around you.
It’s not only that you like to use humor to lift others, you also appreciate and laugh at their jokes, making them feel seen and wanted.
They brighten up when you’re around, responding to your humor or responding to your appreciation of their humor.
As for if you’re not funny? Focus on appreciating the humor of others!
“As with most characteristics, being funny or even appreciative of humor is only somewhat malleable.
“If your attempts at improving your humor don’t yield sufficient results, it may be time for self-acceptance and to focus on building your strengths,” notes career coach and psychology writer Marty Nemko Ph.D.
4) You take charge during crises
In times of crisis, your leadership shines, embodying positivity and instilling confidence in others.
Whether administering aid during a medical emergency or maintaining composure amidst chaos, your decisive actions reassure and protect those in need.
Your ability to take charge fosters a sense of safety and stability, exemplifying your uplifting nature.
When people see you during a crisis they subtly breathe a sigh of relief. They stop raising their voices and listen to what you say. They clearly feel some sense of stability with you around that they didn’t feel before you were there.
5) You’re an eternal optimist
Your unwavering optimism is another hallmark of your uplifting personality.
Like Voltaire’s Candide, you focus on the beauty and potential in each moment.
Despite life’s uncertainties, you exude positivity, inspiring others to adopt a similar mindset.
Your optimism leads people to not give up on their dreams, and they tell you that you have helped them see more positive and proactive sides of challenges they are facing.
As psychosocial rehabilitation specialist and psychology educator Kendra Cherry, MsEd. puts it:
“Developing a more optimistic attitude can also be a route to finding your purpose in life. Believing that there is hope for the future means you are more likely to put your efforts toward things that will give meaning to your life.”
6) You notice others’ reactions to you
You keenly observe the positive impact you have on others, as evidenced by their reactions in your presence.
People visibly brighten when interacting with you, and their smiles reflecting the joy and comfort you bring.
Your ability to uplift extends beyond mere words; it’s an energy that radiates, eliciting genuine warmth and connection.
Indeed, people smiling isn’t always as spontaneous as you think and psychologists have discovered that smiling is more of a social signal in most cases in which people are showing you their approval and appreciation of you.
“You might imagine that people smile when they’re happy,” lectures psychology Professor Paul Bloom of Yale.
“This is actually not the case. It’s not as simple as that. Rather, people smile when they wish to communicate happiness and we know that from several studies.”
7) You use empowering language
Your use of “power words” reflects your commitment to rallying others and fostering positivity.
Words like “great!” “you got this” and “brilliant!” convey strength and support, empowering those around you to embrace their potential.
Through proactive language, you inspire confidence and enthusiasm, elevating collective spirits.
When people hear you use words like this, they brighten up and don’t give up at what they’re doing. They calm down a bit in anxious crises and become a tiny bit less sad during depressing moments.
Your empowering language is making a difference, even if it’s just a bit at a time.
8) You foster unity and collaboration
As a team player, you prioritize unity over division, seeking common ground and cooperation in all endeavors.
Steering clear of gossip and divisive topics, you emphasize the value each individual brings to the table.
Whether in personal or professional settings, you excel at bringing people together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.
This ability to create and strengthen a “bond of union” is a powerful sign that people are responding to you in a way that increases their happiness and overall life satisfaction.
“Ancient philosophers and contemporary scientists agree: one of the keys—perhaps the key—to happiness is strong relationships, and the often unsung work of such folks to keep up a ‘bond of union’ makes a tremendous difference to everyone in their circles,” observes psychology writer Gretchen Rubin.
9) You demonstrate empathy
Your empathetic nature sets you apart, as you possess the rare ability to understand and support others without judgment.
Distinguishing empathy from mere sympathy, you offer genuine compassion and understanding, especially during challenging times.
Your presence is a source of comfort and reassurance, making you a beacon of positivity when times are hard.
You’re not always happy by any means, but you do care about people and they notice that. Your empathy is meaningful to them and helps them when they’re down.
10) You focus on strengths, not weaknesses
Lastly, your tendency to highlight people’s strengths rather than dwell on their weaknesses underscores your uplifting nature.
In both personal and professional interactions, you celebrate individuals’ unique qualities, fostering a sense of validation and appreciation.
By emphasizing positivity and potential, you inspire others to embrace their strengths and pursue growth.
They tell you that you helped them realize something uplifting about themselves, or reflect on what you’ve said in a way that shows you have genuinely boosted their sense of themselves and their ability to make solid choices in life.
As psychologist Eva M. Krockow PhD. writes:
“Boosting is an alternative approach that focuses on empowering people by improving their competences to make better choices.”
Giving people a boost
While moments of sadness and lethargy are inevitable, your ability to ignite positivity and enthusiasm in others is a precious gift.
The smiles and better energy that come into play when you’re around people and the impact you can see that you’ve had on their life is very much a real phenomenon:
You’re making a difference with your presence and changing lives.
Harness it wisely, never underestimating the transformative power you hold to uplift those around you.
