In a time of worldwide challenges, political outbursts and uncertainty, it’s more important now than ever to stop, take a breath and influence others through kindness. It really is quite simple. The energy that goes into the opposite response of kindness takes more work and the results can create a downward spiral of emotions leading to negative results.

Life will continue to throw challenges our way. Individuals who are truly influential successfully get through these ups and downs by being kind. Wouldn’t you rather have a reputation that communicates kindness than anger, negativity and lack of respect?

Here are 5 back-to-the-basics steps to keep you focused on being kind:

1. Stop, take a breath and pay attention to what is REALLY important. Think before you react. Your reactions determine your outcomes. Taking a moment to think through the results of your behavior and response will help you make the right decision rather than regretting it later.

2. Take time for yourself. When the pressure gets heavy, take a moment to be by yourself. Go for a walk, sit alone in a private space and start breathing. I observed a brain scientist present her research on the power of meditation last month. She stated that only 11 minutes a week of meditation will significantly reduce stress, increase productivity and positively impact the brain’s capacity.

3. Clean house. Take a close look this week at the people, things, places in your life that are causing you stress or anger. These are the triggers that will distract you and cause you to stray from being kind consistently. Then start deleting. We are whom we hang out with. Misery loves company. Clean house by getting rid of the people, places or things in your life that distract you from staying on track with what is important: being kind.

4. Listen. We have forgotten this powerful act of kindness. You can’t better serve others if you’re not listening to what is important to them. Rather than focusing on what you want and the task you need to complete, immerse yourself in the words and behaviors of whom you’re talking to 100 percent. Listening rather than constantly talking is a powerful act of kindness.

5. Hit Play. I’ve shared the following song in a previous blog several months ago. When life’s challenges spark your hot buttons that create stress, anger or other negative emotions, simply hit “play” and listen to “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw.

Drop me a note to share how you’ve gone out of your way to be kind, increasing your influence with others. Tag me on my Facebook page.

If you missed one of Stacey’s previous blogs or tips, visit her online.

Enjoy a complimentary chapter of my new book “Influence Redefined” – click here:  

What Achievers Listen To:

Dan Buettner on the Happiness Blue Zones

The post ’Tis the Season to Be Kind! 5 Steps to Growing Your Influence Through Kindness first appeared on Stacey Hanke, Inc..

Communicating with influence Monday to Monday® includes being humble and kind, a characteristic we may have neglected due to the many challenges thrown at us daily.  Being humble and kind takes less effort yet has a much bigger reward.

3 Daily Actions

1. Pay Attention. Avoid multitasking during conversations.  The world will not end if you don’t send off that email, text or tweet immediately.  Give your undivided attention to the conversation and who you’re talking to.  Multitasking communicates that your agenda is more important than your listener and jeopardizes the trust they’ll have in you.

2. Let It Go. Everyone has a right to voice an opinion or ask a challenging question.  Take the emotion out of the conversation, handle the situation with poise and move on.  Let go of the negative feelings you have toward others or the emotion that lingers.  It’s healthier and a lot easier to put your energy where it matters the most.

3. Be Respectful. The tone of your voice, facial expressions and word choice can be harsh without you knowing. You gain respect when you pay close attention to what you’re doing, saying and how your listener is responding.  Do you really gain anything from the scowl, rolling eyes, short, harsh responses and words that could be avoided if you gave more thought to what you were saying?

Your family, peers at work, clients and strangers will take notice when you take that extra step toward being humble and kind.  The world could use more of this!

 Drop me a note to share what action you took TODAY that communicated kindness.

Tag me on my Facebook page.

Click Here to Receive our 5 Steps to Raise your Influence

What Achievers Read

The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work, by Shawn Achor http://amzn.to/2feCrPE

The post Be Humble and Kind – 3 Daily Actions to Increase Influence first appeared on Stacey Hanke, Inc..