Never Doubt the Impact You Have on Others
If you’ve ever doubted the influence you have on others, I invite you to run a marathon with me. It’s been quite some time since my last one – too long, I thought a while ago, and again today. Together with a good friend of mine, we rocked Cologne – or did Cologne rock us?
The energy and excitement that come from being surrounded by a massive group of runners is truly astonishing.
It’s not just the runners, all striving for the same goal, pushing themselves to finish within their desired time. It’s the countless people cheering from the sidelines that truly make a difference. A stranger yells your name, shouting, “You’ve got this! I believe in you!” Or a sign reads, “We’re proud of you!” and the person next to it says, “Yes, Sascha, that’s for you too.”
The music was pumping, the drummers were playing – the impact of these people on me, and likely every other runner, was truly remarkable. Research shows that social support, even from strangers, can have a powerful effect on mental resilience, helping us better cope with stress and overcome challenges (Cohen & Wills, 1985). The recognition and encouragement remind us that we’re not alone, strengthening our psychological well-being and creating a sense of connection.
There’s so much power in lifting each other up. Moments like these, filled with positive emotions—such as joy, excitement, and connection—not only replace emotions we experiences negatively like anxiety or sadness, but also significantly boost our overall well-being (Diener, Sandvik, & Pavot, 1991). Positive emotions don’t just feel good in the moment; they contribute to long-term personal growth. According to Fredrickson’s Broaden-and-Build theory, these emotions help us grow psychologically and enhance our well-being over time (Fredrickson, 2001).
I’m taking this energy into my week, eager to make a positive impact. Encouraging others isn’t just about the moment—it creates lasting effects for both the giver and receiver, building a more resilient and connected community. Let’s keep cheering each other on!
#Motivation #Leadership #PositivePsychology #Kölnmarathon
References:
Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310–357.
Diener, E., Sandvik, E., & Pavot, W. (1991). Happiness is the frequency, not the intensity, of positive versus negative affect. In F. Strack (Ed.), Subjective well-being: An interdisciplinary perspective (pp. 119–139). Pergamon Press.
Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The Role of Positive Emotions in Positive Psychology: The Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218-226.
Just one of many empowering signs along the way 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼