Show Up

The feeling of inadequacy holds us back from showing up. By showing up, I also mean doing something, doing anything. Sometimes, these actions may be reactive. Typically, we think of taking actions as involving physical energy. As we were taught in physics, a load must move through a distance before we can say we have done some work. However, a load does not have to move through a distance before work is done. Sometimes, the load that we may have to move is our mental load—the thoughts that hold us back from showing up and showcasing our talent, taking risks, or getting to work on our goals.

When I was younger, I didn’t understand the importance of showing up each day and pursuing something I wanted severely. Although I was blessed with extreme athleticism, I didn’t want any part of the struggle if it wasn’t easy. Sadly, that’s how many people operate these days. Showing up daily takes effort—an effort many don’t want to invest.

Showing up each day and investing in yourself can be difficult. It is about consistently pushing to improve so you can see the measurable growth you’ve made. As you take this journey, there will be days when you feel you are working too hard and taking things too seriously and other days when you feel like you’re not working hard enough. The crucial thing to remember is that we are all wired differently and need to work at our own pace. Our paths and pace may be different, but showing up is about consistency. By doing this, you will eventually achieve the goals you have set for yourself and capitalize on the talents you have been given.

The sky is not the limit. Your mind is. If you continually improve and remind yourself that you are a work in progress, you may never fully arrive, but you will never cap your potential. As I have stated innumerable times during my 25-year career as a speaker and author, it’s not about the destination but the journey. Each day is an opportunity for growth and learning. By showing up daily, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that come from the pursuit of our goals.

How often do you find yourself waiting for happiness instead of making it happen in the present? There are plenty of people who wait for the right moment, the right relationship, or the right career opportunity to start living life to the fullest. While you might feel like you’re missing out on opportunities because you’re not doing anything, what you’re doing is waiting. The biggest mistake I see people making is waiting until they believe they’re happy before they act. We all have bad days. But what happens when we wait days for things to change before taking action?

It takes courage to follow your dreams and pursue your passions; however, it also takes the right mindset to realize that happiness is in the pursuit, not the result. Be present in the moment and find happiness in the journey, not just the destination. It’s time to Show Up!