The Power of Showing Up
A Simple Habit for Personal and Professional Growth
“What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.” — Ralph Marston
Growing up, my parents were very particular about going to school every single day. Excuses like not feeling like getting up or going today were never entertained. Our breaks were planned to ensure that school attendance was maximized. At that time, I didn’t fully understand the deeper meaning behind inculcating this habit. It wasn’t just about school; it was about life in general. Today, I am grateful for the sacrifices they made in their individual lives to instill this habit in us. Showing up, day after day, no matter the circumstances, is one of the most important habits you can develop - and it’s one that pays off both personally and professionally.
For kids, the habit of showing up consistently, whether at school, sports practice, or other commitments, lays the foundation for their future success. Showing up to school every day helps them build a sense of responsibility. They learn the value of consistency, which will serve them in every aspect of their lives.
Let us explore why showing up, in every sense of the word, is so powerful.
1. Be There Every Day: The Foundation of Success
Showing up every day is more than just a routine - it’s about building a foundation of trust, responsibility, and reliability. For kids, this means going to school regularly, even on days when they’re not feeling their best or when they’d rather stay home. In the professional world, it’s no different. Consistent attendance and engagement in your work, meetings, or projects create a reputation for reliability that others can count on. Being present every day is about more than just meeting a requirement - it is about being dependable.
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." — Robert Collier
2. Professionalism and Respect: The Importance of Time
Punctuality is a cornerstone of professionalism. Whether you’re attending school or work, showing up on time speaks volumes about your respect for others' time. For adults, this might mean arriving at meetings, keeping deadlines, or being on time for calls. For kids, it translates to being on time for school, classes, and extracurricular activities. Showing up on time for school, showing respect for their teachers’ and classmates’ time, sets the foundation for success. It teaches them that time is a valuable resource - both theirs and others - and that being respectful of it is an important part of growing up.
“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” — William Penn
3. Leveraging Flexibility: Not Exploiting It
In today’s world, many people enjoy the flexibility of working from home. But with flexibility comes the responsibility not to exploit it. Just because a day at work can be done from home doesn’t mean the commitment to show up, be present, and engage should change.
It’s easy to allow distractions to creep in - whether it’s household chores, kids at home, or the temptation to check social media - but setting clear boundaries and managing time effectively are key to thriving in a remote work environment. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the perks of working from home, but it does mean that showing up, in both presence and performance, is just as important as if you were in an office.
Moreover, remote work isn't just about managing tasks; it's also about maintaining clear communication and engagement with your team. The absence of face-to-face interaction can lead to misunderstandings or missed opportunities for collaboration. That’s why being intentional about your participation in meetings, staying available for your colleagues, and ensuring you're contributing actively are crucial for success.
“The more flexible you are in life, the more disciplined you need to be.”
4. Engaging Fully: Going Beyond the Minimum
Simply showing up isn’t enough. True success comes from engaging fully - whether in school, work, or life. It’s easy to sit in a meeting, attend a class, or check off tasks without truly participating. Working from home has made it even easier, hasn’t it? But the real value comes from being present, asking questions, offering ideas, and contributing to the larger picture. If you are a mere observer in a meeting, ask why are you there at all? Or are you just summarizing what others said in the name of participation? Or worse still, is your forced participation, derailing meeting from its objective and agenda?
Be the one who is always engaged in meetings, asking insightful questions and offering ideas that move the conversation forward - because that’s how true progress is made. True and active engagement not only helps shape the direction of work but can also make you an invaluable part of the team.
"Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do." — Shaquille O'Neal
5. Taking Initiative: Beyond the Expected
Showing up is important, but taking initiative is what sets people apart. It’s not just about waiting for someone to tell you what to do - it’s about stepping up and making things happen. In the workplace, this might mean coming up with solutions before problems arise or offering to take on new responsibilities, without overstepping others’ boundaries.
Don’t wait to be told what to do; be proactive in finding ways to improve and help the team move forward. This kind of mindset can help stand out and grow in your career.
“Don’t wait for opportunity to knock – build a door.” – Milton Berle
6. Accountability: Showing Up for Yourself
Ultimately, showing up is about more than just meeting obligations to others - it’s about showing up for yourself. Whether at work, in school, or in life, being accountable to yourself and your goals is key. The most successful people are those who take responsibility for their own growth, pushing themselves to be present and engaged even when things are tough. The majority of your work, effort, and progress often happens behind the scenes, unseen by others; and it's the dedication and quality you put into these unseen aspects that truly determines your personal and professional development.
In the workplace, I’ve seen how accountability can transform careers. Professionals who consistently show up, take responsibility for their actions, and remain committed to their work, regardless of external factors, build the kind of lasting success that doesn’t rely on luck or external praise.
“Accountability is the glue that ties commitment to the result.” — Bob Proctor
Conclusion: The Lifelong Impact of Showing Up
Whether you’re a child going to school or an adult working in a professional environment, the act of showing up consistently shapes the trajectory of your life. It teaches responsibility, respect, accountability, and initiative. It builds character and lays the groundwork for long-term success.
For kids, this habit starts with showing up to school, learning to be responsible for their own education, and engaging fully in the process. For adults, it’s about showing up every day, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, whether at work or in personal relationships.
The act of showing up isn’t just about being there - it’s about making the effort to be present, engaged, and committed. Whether it’s in school or in our careers, it’s one of the most powerful habits we can develop. And as we teach this habit to the next generation, we’re not just preparing them for school - we’re preparing them for life.
"The secret of your success is found in your daily routine." — John C. Maxwell