The Power of Showing Up When You Don't Want To
As I reflect on my journey, I’ve come to realize that the key to achieving anything worthwhile is showing up—especially on the days you don’t feel like it. If I were to offer a "secret" to life, this would be it: showing up, even when it feels tough, is how you make your dreams come true.
The Truth: No One’s Coming to Save You
One of the most liberating and yet daunting realizations I’ve had is that no one is coming to save you. When we’re children, it’s easy to think someone will swoop in to guide us, to cheer us on, or even to get us out of bed. But as an adult, the responsibility is entirely on you. Whether it's handling personal challenges or professional setbacks, you are the one who must take action. This is something I learned early in my career—especially in my twenties when I was hoping for a supervisor to step in and provide the answers.
But the harsh truth is, there are no knights in shining armor. And while that can feel depressing at times, it’s also incredibly empowering. It means the ball is in your court, and you have the power to make things happen.
It’s All Figureoutable
I love a concept shared in Marie Forleo’s book Everything is Figureoutable. She believes that any problem can be solved—or if it can’t, it’s simply a fact of life that must be accepted. A leaky roof, for example, is a solvable problem. It’s not about wishing the rain would stop, it’s about finding the solution. This mindset shifts how we approach challenges: rather than being defeated by them, we look for ways to fix them.
Tips for Showing Up When You Don’t Feel Like It
So, how do you push through when you really don’t feel like showing up? Here are some tips I rely on:
Remember Your Why: For me, my “why” is helping others and advancing my career. Some days, it’s a simple matter of fulfilling obligations to support my family or ensuring I can pay my bills. Whatever your reason is, keep it front and center. It’s your motivation to keep going.
Take Care of Yourself: This might sound basic, but when you’re feeling burnt out or stressed, it’s essential to go back to the fundamentals: diet, exercise, rest, and hydration. These are the building blocks that support mental clarity and emotional resilience. If you’re struggling, focus on these basics and make sure you’re taking care of your body and mind.
Get Plenty of Rest: When you’re exhausted, it’s tempting to push through, but rest is critical. It’s counterintuitive, but sleep is one of the best ways to recharge and maintain productivity, especially during stressful times.
Move Your Body: Even a 15-minute walk is better than nothing. Aim for 10,000 steps a day or take time for a quick workout. Movement energizes the body and helps clear the mind, making it easier to tackle challenges head-on.
Stay Consistent: The trick to success is consistency. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up, day after day, even when it feels like too much. Over time, those small efforts add up to big results.
The truth is, success isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or relying on someone else to make things happen. It’s about taking ownership, showing up, and doing the work—even on the hard days. By focusing on your "why," taking care of yourself, and staying consistent, you’ll find that you can push through any challenge and ultimately achieve your goals.
