Last Saturday, I ran a few errands before closing out my weekly duties. During my time out, I quickly realized that time had gotten away from me, and that I would likely be late to my evening Bible Study Group. I recall glancing over at the clock 15-minutes before the group was scheduled to end, then decided to show up anyway. During that short time period, I managed to contribute far more than I had ever contributed in the past.
For many of us, we become discouraged from showing up altogether for fear that we’ve missed out on the most important parts of a session, or that maybe we won’t be as welcome. I think the notion of being “that guy” sets in, and persuades us that altogether avoidance is the answer. Showing up in spite of our tardiness, individual embarrassment, or uneasiness takes courage. In many cases, the simple act of showing up to an event, versus not, presents more opportunities, or positive surprise circumstances, than we could have ever imagined possible.
Showing up to any event is more than half the battle. Imagine all of the value-added by you, or by others simply from deciding to arrive, in spite of a minor unforeseen circumstance. The number of contributions to conversations, the breakthroughs, or shifts in mindsets, are endless.
Here are a few strategies to encourage you to choose to “Show Up Anyway” when that inner bug tries to steer you down a different path.
Be Courageous. When we are courageous, we don’t allow as much second-guessing to invade our thoughts. Instead, we remember our “Why” in each situation, and we press forward in spite of the roadblocks ahead.
Be Curious. When we remain curious beings, we open ourselves up to New Possibilities, Different Outcomes, and Positive Change. Encourage yourself to never cease from rocking the curiosity glow, which will maintain your shine, and keep others interested.
Be Intentional. When we are intentional, we plan ahead, and can almost foresee the end goal because we have laid the proper foundation. Without showing up for any given event, we will never know what lies on the other side of the door. We must open it more times than we leave it closed.
This week, I challenge you to encourage yourself to honor your commitments to yourself. Sometimes, you won’t feel like giving 100%, or being the MVP, but choose to Show up Anyway. Be willing to see what level of newness awaits you.
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