Building upon yesterday’s post, The Biggest Lie, I want to dig deeper into the Try part. Some may argue that trying is not doing, ala Yoda, but I’m going with the concept that trying leads to doing. One must overcome inertia (try) in order to gain momentum (do), and the first step in doing do is to simply show up.
That’s it! Just like Woody Allen says…
Seriously, how many times have you felt so out of place, or ignorant about something to the degree that you decide to not show up? Too much of a beginner, worried about others will think, self-conscious, etc.? Think new sport or activity, a class, you name it.
Guess what?
Everyone else was in your shoes at one point, too. And there are tons more just like you. The difference lies in who decides to Show Up!
Ego Is The Enemy
As we grow up, we get in our own ways. Ego, pride, image – all self-limiting, all contrary to achieving our goals. What if we could drop it, and like a young child, show up honestly? Show up green, ask questions, be willing to be the brave example, TRY? Dig into one of my favorite books on ego to have a good look at yourself!
Tis a common proof,
– Shakespeare
That lowliness is young ambition’s ladder.
How do we learn?
Try. Fail. Try. Fail. Try. Fail. Repeat until we succeed. Just as babies do. Just as children in school do. If we can hold onto this pattern, EGO FREE, we can succeed with anything we want in life.
Showing Up
Looking back a few weeks to my first posing class, that was a huge piece of Show Up. I didn’t even know how to get the shoes on right, let alone how to walk in them. GOOD LORD! But I knew that the only way to overcome feeling so insanely out of place was to show up and try. Be that awkward girl that is clumsy, own it with humility, and express gratitude to everyone for helping.
It is a difficult thing to do.
It is also extremely empowering.
And, the fastest way to success. I’m now head of everyone else that didn’t have the courage to show up. Physically, learn the skills. Mentally, move through that uncomfortable beginner stage ASAP! (Who wants to linger there??) And all it takes is commitment to Showing Up!
Bodybuilding Shows
Who wins at a show? Whoever looks best that day among those that decided to show up. So, SHOW UP!
Running Races
Who wins at a race? The fastest among those that show up that day. So, SHOW UP!
Writing
I wake up early each morning and write first thing. Often, I have no plan – I simply sit down to a blank page and begin. I Show Up! I have no formal writing training, I probably misuse punctuation and could stand to proofread better, etc., but I don’t let any of that hold me back. Each day that I write and deliver I improve. Show up, practice, deliver. I’m not waiting until I’m “good” or for any invitation, it is simply about showing up.
Life
Who wins at life? Those that try, try, try, everything.
The Power of Showing Up
The beautiful part of showing up is that each time we show up, it makes it easier to show up the next time. The first Show Up might be hard – all the more reason to do it! The next and each thereafter will be increasingly easier.
When in doubt, SHOW UP!
If you have landed on this page from an external link, please go HERE to read from the beginning. Otherwise, click on the next title below to continue.
Carey, I’ll bet that 70% of my success was just showing up. Today you can learn about anything really fast. Just show up smile and listen to the best in the field you want to be in. You’ll be amazed how fast you will grow.