The Power of Others

Ever feel overwhelmed in the morning before your feet hit the floor?

In his book The Power of the Other, Dr. Henry Cloud describes the difficulty of making it through “Hell Week” to become a Navy SEAL.

He tells the story of the final leg of a swim on the last challenge. His brother-in-law was in the water, and he hit a wall, his tank empty.

As he was going down, about to signal for help and a failed attempt at becoming a SEAL, he raised his head and caught the eyes of his teammate, the one who had been on the journey with him, the one who had his back, the one he could count on. Their eyes locked together a few seconds, and he saw his teammate pumping his fist, yelling for him.

Something happened. He was not alone. Energy, motivation, and commitment took over as he fought his way through the water to become a Navy SEAL.

There is great power in others, those on the bus with you.

Many times we feel that we are on the journey alone. We bear the stress of achieving by ourselves, allowing discouragement, fear, and anxiety to become insurmountable objects in our minds. We fail to recognize the power of others.

But business, leadership, families, marriage, and friendships are all team sports.

When you move out of your circle and focus on those in the boat with you, those working to achieve the same goals, you find the power to keep going, the will to win. The load becomes light, and optimism takes the place of fear and anxiety. Others provide power for the journey.

If you head into work and life today overwhelmed by the tasks at hand or the family situation, recognize that there are others walking shoulder-to-shoulder with you. Don’t create division, but recognize unity. Others are with you going after the same goals in life. Crystalize this in your mind to find power and change your mindset.

And verbalize this to the “others.” More than likely, they walk in feeling the same burdens. A word of encouragement and unity provides power and optimism, calms the sea. We are in this together. We’ve got this. I’ve got your back.

Give and use the power of others today.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Impact others. Live generously.

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