Many people who are great will tell you that one of the reasons they have succeeded is because of the people who inspired or influenced them early on in their lives. Usually, they go back to things their teachers or people with authority over them said at one time. This can be a very good thing. Many people have succeeded due to something that someone once said or showed them. But, this can also be a very harmful thing. When people with the wrong kinds of views get into positions of leadership, they are often able to adversely affect people who come in contact with them.

When you think of influence on others,
You often picture only fathers and mothers.
But have you ever thought about yourself?
Your influence is not something to be put on a shelf.

When people watch your life,
They look to see if it is filled with peace or with strife.
Everyone, young or old, big or small,
Evaluates you when you rise or when you fall.
They model themselves after you in a way,
That reflects the things you do day by day.