Inspiration Is Greater Than Influence: The Power of Leading by Example
In a world where everyone is trying to change minds — whether in fundraising, leadership, or everyday conversations — there’s a quieter, more effective approach: inspiration over influence.
We often feel pressure to persuade people to see things our way, whether it’s a donor, a team member, or even a family member who just doesn’t get it. But real, lasting impact comes not from force or manipulation, but from modeling the change we want to see.
Here’s why inspiration is more powerful than influence—and how shifting your approach can make you more effective in every area of life.
1. Stop Trying to Convince—Start Being the Example
It’s tempting to believe that if we just say the right words or craft the perfect argument, we can make someone change their mind. But true influence isn’t about convincing—it’s about showing, not telling.
When you embody the values you believe in, you create a ripple effect. People are far more likely to be inspired when they see authenticity in action rather than feeling pressured to agree.
Think about it: Are you more likely to change your behavior because someone lectured you, or because you saw something that genuinely moved you?
2. Influence Often Creates Resistance—Inspiration Invites Choice
The harder you try to persuade, the more likely people are to resist. It’s human nature. When someone feels pressured to change, they instinctively push back.
Inspiration, on the other hand, doesn’t demand agreement. It simply exists. It says, “Here’s what I believe. Here’s how I live it. Take it or leave it.”
When people feel like they have a choice, they’re more likely to engage. Instead of feeling manipulated, they feel drawn in by something real, something worth exploring.
3. Let Go of the Need for External Validation
Why do we feel so compelled to change minds? Often, it’s because our own ego craves approval. We want to be seen as right, as impressive, as the one who “won” the argument.
But the need for external validation is a losing game. True confidence comes from within. When you act from a place of joy, self-approval, and integrity, you don’t need others to agree with you to feel secure in your beliefs.
Ask yourself: Are you trying to inspire change because it matters, or because you need to feel validated? The difference is everything.
4. Not Every Battle Is Worth Fighting
In today’s hyper-divisive world, it’s easy to feel like you need to engage in every debate, defend every point, and “correct” every wrong perspective. But not every argument is worth your time or energy.
Instead of getting caught in endless debates, be selective about where you focus your efforts. Sometimes, the most powerful move is simply letting go and redirecting your energy into being an example of what you stand for.
Because at the end of the day, real change doesn’t come from out-arguing someone. It comes from living in a way that makes people curious, inspired, and willing to rethink things on their own.
Final Thoughts: Choose Inspiration Over Influence
If you’re tired of trying to convince people to care, to give, to change—stop trying. Instead, be the inspiration.
Lead by example.
Let go of the need to control or convince.
Focus on joy and authenticity, rather than validation.
Save your energy for the conversations that truly matter.
The more you let go of forcing change, the more naturally it happens. And that applies to fundraising, leadership, and life.
Want to dive deeper? Let’s work together to build a strategy that challenges limits and drives results. Contact me today.