in·cul·cate
[in-kuhl-keyt, in-kuhl-keyt]
verb (used with object), in·cul·cat·ed, in·cul·cat·ing.
1. to implant by repeated statement or admonition; teach persistently and earnestly (usually followed by upon or in )
2. to cause or influence (someone) to accept an idea or feeling (usually followed by with)
"Inculcate" is a powerful little word and in my mind I think of it as a marriage between "incubate" and "infiltrate." It helps me to remember the meaning by thinking of it as an attempt to "infiltrate" a person's thoughts, beliefs, or basic operating system and "incubate" a new thought, belief, or operating system.
It is my desire to be able to influence others by inculcating them with the belief that they are capable of reaching goals and achieving their dreams. I want to encourage others to take the first step on the path toward reaching a goal or realizing a dream. One method to inspiring others is constant and frequent encouragement in order to "infiltrate" the negative self-talk that one is telling themselves, plant a little seed of encouragement and incubate it until the negative thoughts of self-doubt are replaced by thoughts and feelings of determination. I want to inculcate others with the thought that they are capable of achieving their dreams and reaching their goals.
Parents, coaches and teachers inculcate their children and students with certain beliefs, thoughts and traits, each and every day. Children are under constant inculcation of right vs. wrong, good vs. bad, safe vs. unsafe, and good choices, vs. bad choices.
If you've been on Facebook lately, chances are, you can think of a Facebook friend who has an agenda to inculcate you with a particular political stance. You know the one I'm talking about. They post multiple times a day or week, in attempt to sway your opinions toward one belief or another. I'm simply pointing this out as an example to which most of us can relate.
"Inculcate" is neither good, nor bad. We each have the power to inculcate a certain mindset. You can influence your social circle, by inculcating upon them a desired mindset. For example - I have a group of friends and among this group is one extremely fit and athletic individual and she is constantly presenting us with fitness challenges of some sort. Through her process of inculcation, some of our group are actually making positive changes in their lives as a result of her fitness-inculcating tactics. Have you ever heard the cliche, "if you hang out in a beauty shop long enough, you're going to get a hair cut?" This cliche is the perfect example of inculcation and also explains why we should be mindful of whom we choose to align ourselves. Who is influencing you, and what influence are you having on others? Who and what, are you inculcating, and who and what is being inculcated upon you?