Effect vs. Affect: Choose to live with intention and positivity
What’s the effect you have on people? How do you affect others in your life? Is it a positive or negative effect? Can the way you affect people determine if you become successful? Let’s evaluate.
In middle school, trying to learn the difference between effect and affect seemed like trying to solve a quadratic formula in calculus. You are taught to remember that affect is a verb and effect is a noun, like the mnemonic device RAVEN. But the more you investigate each word, the more differences you find. Each word has a very different effect on the people you meet.
Effect
Every decision you make has an effect on people. With family, friends and employees, treating people right leaves a positive effect. Being on time leaves an effect. Making people feel welcomed leaves an effect. Even just smiling leaves an effect. All these things help to convey positive messages to our peers. On the contrary, deciding not to do things for people leaves a negative effect. It is up to you to value and prioritize decisions that will leave lasting impressions and what those impressions will be. I once heard a great quote by a former CEO Pat McGohan that said, “People might not remember the things you said to them, but they will always remember how you made them feel”. This quote hit me hard. It made me realize that my actions will be remembered, and it is my choice to be intentional with the effect I leave.
Johnny is a Pearson Campus Ambassador.
Affect
Do you motivate people? Are you loving and caring? Do you make people feel happy? Having these traits won’t just help you be successful, but they also make you a great person. Success is not defined on how much money you make or what job you do, but rather how you affect the people around you. Do you make them want to be better or encourage negative behavior? It is a gift to be able to affect people in a positive way and help them to grow. You will be remembered for the affect you make on each person you encounter.
I hope this quick synopsis of the difference between effect and affect makes you rethink how you want to live your social and professional life. It is selfless and positive acts that will affect and leave an effect on people.
About the author
Johnny Condit
Johnny Condit recently completed his junior year at the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Insurance and Risk Management with a minor in Professional Sales. He enjoys playing basketball, working out or studying in the library with his friends. Johnny is one of the founders and president of the Racquetball club at UC. He enjoys watching the Cincinnati Bengals and Reds, as well as being a Pearson Campus Ambassador at UC.
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