The Importance of Showing Up

Our aim with the 30 Days of Practice is to share ways to help you navigate a career and industry that can be difficult at times. But there’s one thing we can’t teach you how to do, which is perhaps the most critical step in the process –- and that’s to show up in the first place.

Being present, willing and open to what is possible is the most critical thing in order for you to even step your foot in the right direction that you want your life to go.

Show up. It something we have the chance to do every day. How often do we pass up that opportunity?

In her 2012 book “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead”, Brene Brown PhD states: “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do, is show up.”

Bravery is not something we talk about in business too often, but it’s the courage, commitment, discipline and focus of bravery that separates success from failure. After all, as Woody Allen would say, showing up is 80% of what comprises success.

Recently someone showed up for me when I was skeptical if they would. So I went ahead and made Plan B (and Plan C) because I wanted the project to be successful, and didn’t want to be a burden. But Plan B was superfluous, simply because they kept their word. It takes immense trust and vulnerability to believe that someone’s got your back, is on your team, and will deliver what they promised.

Those are the best moments of showing up.

But what happens when someone doesn’t show up for you?

That’s when the real yoga practice kicks in. As tough as it is to put aside the disappointment, anger, rage and other normal emotional responses, focus on forgiving them compassionately and kindly. Most often their absence has nothing to do with what you have said or done, or not done.

Have the courage to show up for yourself.

Have the courage to show up for others.

Do it with courage, respect and presence.

Trust that they will do the same for you.

That’s where the real magic begins.

Try it, and let us know how you go.

Namaste,

Rebecca