Power UP

 “ … do not pray for easy lives but rather pray to become strong men and women.

Do not pray for a task equal to your power,

but rather pray for power equal to your task.

…

you will constantly be amazed at what you can do and become …” 

Phillips Brooks

According to Webster: Power is the “Ability to act; capacity for action …; capability of producing … an effect; the possession of sway or controlling influence over others; a person with authority or influence or exercising control.” 

More simply put, power sets things up and gets things done.

Although power can, and often is, used unwisely and sometimes nefariously, power is not, itself, an evil trait.  Nonetheless, the cynic could paint everything with a dark brush with some justification:

"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Lord Acton

But, without the capacity to navigate or negotiate, we are vulnerable and impotent to effect our own wellbeing, never mind whatever our truest Destiny might be or that of the world at large. 

What are the elements that comprise POWER?   And how does one acquire this important attribute – not counting the protected entitlements with which we may presume to be endowed by virtue of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution?   

While the Almighty may be counted on by some to preferentially look after those whose “hairs on their heads are numbered”, it’s been suggested more compellingly that “God helps those who help themselves.”  

Stated a little more pointedly for those in the Christian community:

“God loves you just the way you are,

but He wants (expects!) you to be more like Jesus.”

Source Unknown 

Perhaps first and foremost in considering the acquisition of power, we should note the assertion that “Knowledge is Power.”  It follows that not knowing is a pronounced deficit or weakness.  Moreover, not knowing what we don’t know or that we don’t know – and/or not caring that we don’t know – constitutes a fatal flaw.  So we must know to be … and know more to be more – and know more and be more to deserve more.  

It’s important to note that there are at least 50 shades of gray associated with power and some of them can be deceiving.  In the early 1970s, multiple books and courses were offered on “Black Belt Management” – espousing power-commandeering techniques that were fundamentally geared to tyrannizing intimidation, particularly for self-promotion and negotiation.  However, the exercise of such power tends to isolate rather than consolidate and is no longer the front-running management style.   

In diametric contrast, the power of non-threatening innocence can be enormous: visualize the magnetic impact of an infant learning to walk or of a service dog on duty or of a homeless person in dire need or of a family member in mourning.   

But the most street-wise attribute of power is the unique capacity to fill a marketable need.  There is no substitute for being a “Go To” person who can deliver the highest quality goods.  The term “indispensible” comes to mind.  That’s both “knowing” and “doing”, and carries with it an implied capacity not only to do but to “teach” (consult).  Being the “expert” is where power resides.  It includes knowledge, skills/tools, professional engagement, cutting-edge craftsmanship, and excellence in execution.  Add to that creativity and change-agent visioning capacity, plus articulate communication and negotiation skills, and you have a winning Power-UP package.   

Now take YOUR power the next level UP.  Explore, Learn, Know, DO and BE!  That’s where real engagement is and where real power resides.  Your Destiny awaits!  Quartermaster