The Importance of Showing Up

Have you ever been at the right place, at the right time but you were not prepared? Or have you ever been given a great opportunity but you weren’t ready? Many of us lost opportunities because we lacked preparation. Being prepared means to be ready beforehand. It involves practising and studying enough so whenever a scenario takes place, things will go smoothly.

Preparation

Proper preparation is the key to success. It is a seed that should be watered on a daily basis. However, though preparation is essential, it is often a neglected part of life as many people are unfamiliar with the benefits associated with this vital tool:

• Preparation enhances self-discipline – when one consistently prepares regardless of how they’re feeling, they are able to overcome procrastination
• Being prepared helps in identifying strengths and weaknesses and how you can use them to your advantages
• It helps in starting well: when you prepare well, starting well is easy, because you have put some measures in place before starting.
• Being prepared also reduces anxiety and fear

Showing Up

Showing up doesn’t only mean being present at an event or place; it speaks about being committed to and consistent in your actions. Woody Allen once said, “Eighty percent of success is showing up’. This serves as a reminder that success doesn’t come because we are talented or skilled, neither does it come because we are the best or the brightest. It is, however, based on our ability to complete our tasks regardless of our external factors or how we’re feeling.

How Can I Show Up?

The ability to show up is a combination of one’s preparedness, the quality of work they produce as well as their characteristics. People are normally judged based on their character. Honesty and integrity are considered to be two of the most important. Other forms of good character include reliability, sticktoitiveness and discipline.

Even on days when you don’t feel like it, just showing up can make a huge difference. Never take things for granted as you never know when opportunities come knocking. Be bold and show up today!