What Does It Mean to Be Influential?
Create Your Influence
Create Your Influence: What Does It Mean to Be Influential?
A few months ago, my 15-year-old daughter, Vesta, saw one of my Instagram posts and dropped one of those classic, snarky comments teenage daughters save just for their moms: “Mom, are you trying to be an influencer?”
I laughed and told her no, but it made me reflect: what actually makes someone an influencer? I genuinely enjoy creating content; it started as a creative outlet and a way to show my daughters that you don’t have to be “perfect” to show up on social media.
But that remark made me realize something important: we may not all be “influencers,” but we are all influential. How we use that influence—and for what purpose—is entirely up to us.
Humans are wired to mimic the behaviors we see around us. If those close to you mimicked your habits, which ones would you want them to copy? In Italy, we have a saying: “Chi va con lo zoppo impara a zoppicare.” It literally translates to: “The one who walks with the one who limps learns to limp.” But what if we flipped that? What if “the one who walks with the one who soars learns to soar”?
I would much rather be the one who soars and helps others do the same.
We live in a society where social interactions are often built around drinking. Working in beverage distribution and hospitality, I see this firsthand—and I’m certainly not judging. But what would happen if, instead of the standard “Do you want to go for a drink?” we asked, “Do you want to go for a workout?”
The benefits are surprisingly similar: exercise fosters community, reduces loneliness, and boosts self-confidence. So why not be the influential force that suggests a trail run, a gym session, or even just a non-alcoholic catch-up?
My girlfriends and I decided to be that force for each other, and the impact has been huge. We work out more often, eat better, and push each other to grow. And yes, we still have brunch! We still laugh until it hurts—only now we do it with non-alcoholic drinks.
If you’re skeptical, just look at the trends. The N/A (non-alcoholic) market is exploding, with incredible options now hitting liquor store shelves and restaurant menus. One in five adults is now sober, and nearly 50% of restaurant-goers are practicing “zebra striping”—alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to pace themselves and skip the hangover.
You have nothing to lose by trying it. Be the one who soars—you might be surprised by who decides to fly with you.
