There is a business proverb that I like to repeat, perhaps more often than others like to hear it: “Showing up is 80% of success in life”. Google says that Woody Allen said it first. Well, there is a lot of truth to the statement, whether you like Allen or not.
How many times do you NOT want to show up? You don’t feel well. The kids didn’t sleep last night so neither did you. A meeting, critical phone call or presentation is going to be awkward, or boring or uncomfortable or scary. There are a lot of reasons to not show up. In these moments, it may be as basic as taking the first 3 steps towards your intention.
Why do I show up?
I show up because I committed to showing up and I keep my commitments. That means people can count on me.
I show up to be there in difficult moments. That means I support my people in good times and bad.
I show up because my parents showed up, my grandparents showed up, and now I see my kids show up.
A few weeks ago, I went to the funeral of an in-law’s sister who had a very difficult life health wise. I didn’t ask if my siblings would be there. They were. What warmed my heart was that my niece had flown in from Portland and gave a moving tribute to her aunt.
It is easy to show up for the good times – the fun times. Can you show up for the difficult times or when you just don’t feel like it?
This week, make an extra effort to be there for someone else. Just show up. If no one else compliments you on it, remember, I’m proud of you. You can do this.
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