Being powerful is part of being successful. But, before you conjure up an image of some overweight, overbearing, overpaid executive, let me clarify what I mean by the word ‘powerful’, because my distinction is important.
You see, many people don’t allow themselves to become successful because they have married it to the negative, yet very common, image of someone who has succumbed to the temptations of greed, dishonesty or stepping on others. Yes, there ARE people who do bad things. But those people are not powerful, they are overpowering!
‘Power’ is defined as the ability to get something done. A healthy feeling of power is akin to confidence. Someone who has good self-esteem and measures their actions against their own sense of integrity has power.
However, to ‘overpower’ is to subdue someone by force. It is about bringing someone else to their knees!
In a nutshell, someone who is powerful is concerned about being strong and true to themselves. Someone who is overpowering is focused on making sure others feel weak and bad.
Action – The negative picture in your head is an illusion that stops your progress. Understanding the distinction between being powerful and overpowering will free you up to become successful.