The Power Hungry Diet

We all want to be someone, I get it. We want our voices heard. We want to influence others by our “unique” talents. We really believe that if people would just follow us and our opinions, the world would operate much better. The problem is, somewhere along the way, we do gain some power and authority in our relatively little sphere, and we automatically assume it is now our duty to control others.

The satisfaction of leading others can be a tasty treat indeed. And why wouldn’t it be? Your voice is heard and followed. When success comes, we then make another bold judgment about ourselves. We think it was entirely our genius that caused the success, and the ego begins to show its ugly head. That feeling of power is not only tasty, but now it begins to consume our attention and attitude. Without proper awareness and discipline, that power struggle can snowball into an addiction. I call it Power Hungry Disease.

Power Hungry Disease grows larger and larger by the day if not treated properly. And the saddest part is many with this illness don’t even realize they are afflicted by it. In fact, their rude or unfair mandates to others are completely justified in their eyes because of their position and corresponding results. As this illness snowballs, four major things will inevitably happen.

1. Others will resent them and distance themselves
2. The power hunger will increase
3. The power “hungerer” will feel more emotionally unstable, angry, and defensive
4. Their world will begin to crumble in the form of relationships, ethical behavior, job security, family, and peace of mind

This person is in need of a Power Hungry Diet. Problem is, how will you know if you are Power Hungry? Below I will list a few common practices of the Power Hungry.

• If you deeply resent another individuals success
• If you feel threatened by others in authority
• If you always believe that your ideas and opinions are better than others
• If you believe force is the most effective way to influence others
• If you are consumed by how you will get ahead of others, and take control of everything
• If you value control over service
• If you are willing to do “whatever it takes” to get what you want, even if it means undermining anyone in your way

What is the Power Hungry Diet?

• Stop thinking constantly about how to control others
• Lead by involving and serving others
• Forget yourself, and think about how you can bring lift
• Genuinely applaud the actions and successes of others
• Remind yourself daily that power is a privilege and can be taken as fast as it comes
• Be grateful, and I know, its very difficult, Be humble

 Being “in power” is not your big opportunity to finally “do whatever you want.” Rather, it is a unique time in your life that you have been given to build, strengthen, and assist. The best leaders are those who are also great followers. Those that are Power Hungry want absolutely nothing to do with “following.” Power ultimately destroys or builds. The question is how will you handle the power when it comes to you? How do you want to be remembered? Are you selfish or selfless? For those hungry to be in power, I recommend the simple Power Hungry Diet, one gallon per day.

About the Author – Chad Gundry has spent several years in sales and marketing positions and has accumulated extensive insight that can assist in constructing transformational business strategies and living life more productively. He is not a “writer”, but enjoys sharing his views on a variety of subjects. Views posted here are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Rakuten Marketing.