Jacoby Poulain: Spirit key to unlocking potential

I must admit, I get committeed out sometimes. I probably sit on about a dozen different local and national committees or boards. Subject matters range from the more technical finance and operations committees through to creative arts, youth leadership and then there's the event and recreation arena.

All in all, I really enjoy these spaces, however every now and then I do begin to wonder. Some committees are worth traversing across the country for, while others are barely worth getting out of bed for. Some produce spectacular results, others dismal. So what's the difference?

The main difference I've come to sense and recognise between those that aren't and those that are destined to achieve greatness in this world is the level of spirit, passion and union of a group. With the right spirit and the right people I believe a committed group can tackle anything. The same goes for individuals.

The right attitude instilled and developed within a person can see them soar strong like eagles in life, rather than scratch around in the dirt like feeble chickens. Attitude does determine altitude.

The intriguing thing I find in this world is that we each have the power to affect the spirit, and therefore the results in life of another, by the spirit or energy we release towards them. This can be in a good or bad way. Too often I hear the condemnation of what some deem as the undesirables of our society. The jobless, the homeless and the gang affiliated are perpetually judged and criticised.

Some may abuse the system, which I wholeheartedly disagree with, however others genuinely try to excel and do well, for themselves and for their families. For either camp the difference between them failing and floundering or soaring and excelling is often simple encouragement and positive reinforcement, being afforded opportunities and having people believe in them.

People want to do good and generally flourish when people see that in them and call it out.

I watched a TV segment a couple of nights back on the opening of a new supermarket in Te Puke. Local after local was interviewed about their new job at the establishment. Many of these were male, whose obvious pride beamed from them as now they could provide for their families, thus instilling a stronger sense of esteem within themselves.

No doubt this positive energy would emanate into their households once home.

We may not be able to afford jobs to all but we can provide encouragement and opportunities that instil confidence and esteem that help lead to greater potential employment and life prospects.

As a graduate a few years back I was pulled aside and offered places on boards and committees. These experiences grew my confidence, interest and experience to be able to be entrusted with heightened responsibility and fulfilment now as a councillor.

This article isn't really about committees as such. Rather it's about the empowering spirit we hold individually and collectively and the ability we have to impart it to others. The results are potentially life and community changing and the beauty is that it doesn't take hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars to effect.

We each have the free gift of hope and encouragement to give. I think to have the skill set, desire and ability to encourage others is incredibly empowering.

Jacoby Poulain is a Hastings District Council Flaxmere ward councillor.