Be the Energy: Transforming Environments through Positive Impact

Be the Energy: Transforming Environments through Positive Impact

Desalegn Terecha

What if your presence could change the very air you breathe? What if, instead of adapting to the energy around you, you became the force that shapes it? Imagine walking into a room filled with tension and, with a single smile or kind word, transforming it into a space of warmth, understanding, and hope. This is the power of being the energy that elevates, not just adapts.

At the heart of this transformation lies a simple truth: the energy you bring into a room can be more powerful than the energy you find there. Whether you're a leader, a friend, or a stranger, your actions and demeanor can alter the course of conversations, relationships, and even entire environments. This idea has roots in moral, psychological, and philosophical wisdom, each offering a unique lens through which we can understand the profound impact of positive influence.

The Moral Virtue of Uplifting Energy

Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, teaches that virtue is not a passive state but an active choice. Virtue is cultivated through practice and consistency. When you choose to be the energy that uplifts, you are actively choosing to embody virtues such as kindness, patience, and empathy. Every action, every word becomes a reflection of your character. By influencing others positively, you create a ripple of goodness—transforming not just your space but the world around you.

Immanuel Kant further strengthens this notion by reminding us that every individual has intrinsic worth. The Kantian duty to treat others as ends, not as means, compels us to bring our best selves to every interaction. To be the energy that influences positively is to honor the dignity of those around you, ensuring that each person you meet feels valued and respected.

Psychological Power of Presence

The psychological impact of being the energy that uplifts is immense. Daniel Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence reveals that self-awareness and empathy are the keys to understanding and influencing the emotional climate of any space. When you walk into a room, your emotional state can either contribute to the existing tension or dispel it with the simple act of kindness and understanding.

Carol Dweck’s Mindset teaches us that a growth mindset isn’t just about personal development—it’s about helping others see their potential, even in the most challenging situations. When you choose to bring a positive energy into a room, you don’t just shift the mood; you shift the mindset of those around you, encouraging them to see opportunities rather than obstacles.

Viktor Frankl, in his Man’s Search for Meaning, tells us that even in the harshest conditions, the search for meaning remains essential. The energy you choose to carry is a reflection of your purpose—it can be a source of strength, even in the darkest times. When you actively decide to be the energy that transforms negativity into positivity, you are creating meaning in the lives of others.

Philosophical Reflection: Shaping Reality

Philosophically, this transformative power is embodied in the concept of existential freedom. Sartre’s idea that “existence precedes essence” suggests that we are not defined by our circumstances but by our choices. By choosing to be the energy that uplifts, we become the creators of our own essence. We actively shape our reality—not as passive participants, but as conscious architects of our world.

Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now teaches that living in the present moment allows us to transcend the negativity that often clouds our interactions. When we are fully engaged in the now, we can transform reactive responses into deliberate, positive actions. In every moment, we can choose to shift the energy around us, creating spaces of peace and potential.

The Ripple Effect: Changing the World

To be the energy that uplifts is to be the pebble dropped into a pond that sends ripples far beyond the point of impact. It’s not just about personal transformation; it’s about creating an environment where others can thrive. The Stoics, led by Marcus Aurelius, remind us that while we cannot control external circumstances, we can control our reactions. By choosing calm, compassion, and positivity, we influence the world in ways we may never fully understand.

In leadership, this influence is paramount. Leaders who bring positive energy create organizations that aren’t just productive—they’re thriving communities. Stephen Covey, in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, shows us that being proactive, rooted in principles of integrity and empathy, is key to building lasting influence. By setting the tone, leaders inspire their teams to elevate their own energy and efforts, transforming workplaces into environments of shared success.

Conclusion: Be the Change You Seek

To be the energy that uplifts is to actively choose to live with intention. It is about embodying virtues, practicing emotional intelligence, embracing a growth mindset, and creating meaning in every moment. This energy doesn’t simply adapt to the spaces we enter—it transforms them. Each interaction becomes a chance to shape the world around us, one positive action at a time.

In a world that often feels fractured, the choice to bring positivity and light to every situation is revolutionary. It’s not about being perfect or always having the right words; it’s about being present, authentic, and compassionate. Your energy has the power to influence, inspire, and ignite change—not just within yourself, but within every person you encounter.

So, walk into each room with the awareness that your presence is a force. Choose to be the energy that adds value to every space you enter, and watch as the world around you transforms.