It's not the big, life-altering events that shape us most; it's the small choices we make every day.
We often feel pressure to achieve big milestones or make impressive changes. We're flooded with corporate buzzwords like “Go-getter”, "crushing it", and "leveling up," making us feel like coming to work and being ourselves just isn't enough. But what if the key to success and personal fulfillment is not in those big actions but in the little things we do consistently? The truth is, showing up is one of the least noticeable acts we can do, but it has the biggest impact.
What 'Showing Up' Really Means
'Showing up' means being truly present in your mind, body, and spirit. It's not about looking busy or doing the physical work with your mind somewhere else. Showing up means engaging, committing, and being authentic in whatever you're doing, whether it's a work project, a conversation with a loved one, or just taking care of yourself. We can drop the need for perfection and looking like a hero, and refocus on the small actions that create a real positive impact over time.
Showing Up at Work
Offering to help a coworker.
Sending your draft report before the deadline, following through on your promises.
Owning your mistakes and missed deadlines with your manager.
Showing real interest in meetings and discussions.
Showing Up in Relationships
Really listening when your partner is speaking, not using that time to think about your response.
Checking in on a friend who's going through a difficult time.
Taking responsibility when you speak too harshly and apologizing.
Going to birthdays weddings and graduations.
Showing Up for Ourselves
Getting enough sleep by going to bed at a sensible time and avoiding screen time before bed.
Getting ready for the day in clothes that make us feel comfortable and confident
Taking a walk during lunch break to get some fresh air and exercise, even if we don’t feel like walking.
Meditating, reading a book, stroking a cat, singing with a dog - whatever makes you feel calm and in the moment.
Each of these examples represents 'showing up' as being physically and mentally present, following through on our commitments, taking responsibility, supporting others, and prioritizing what matters most. It's all about putting the effort in the right places.
Small Actions Create Waves
Showing up for yourself and the people around you might not seem that important but those small actions create waves. Showing up builds trust, strengthens relationships, and boosts self-confidence. It helps you be more productive and engaged at work while feeling more fulfilled in your personal life.
The waves you make by showing up get bigger and stronger as they move out to the people around you. The more you show up, the more energy and motivation you build to keep showing up consistently, and the more those around you benefit too. Small actions that you can maintain can grow into something greater than the little waves they started as.
Let Go of the Pressure to be Perfect
Modern culture has made us focus on the glory of major achievements and heavily edited success stories. We idolize entrepreneurs, actors, and athletes who seem to live perfect lives. But what we don’t see is what is behind the big smiles, model poses, and Instagram filters. We don't see the daily acts of showing up, commitment, and follow-through that made those achievements possible. If your achievement is standing on the top of Mount Everest, showing up is all the climbing.
Let
We can choose what "showing up" truly means to us, and we can let go of the unrealistic expectations of perfection we have for ourselves. Instead, we can learn to celebrate taking one small, imperfect step after another and we can have compassion for ourselves when we make mistakes. Progress is what's important, not perfection. And real progress comes from the small ways we show up again and again, even when it gets hard.
Wrap Up
The power of showing up is massive, even if it doesn't feel like it in the moment. It's the little things we choose to do again and again that can create positive shifts in our work, relationships, and personal growth. So don't get so focused on chasing the big, shiny achievements that you miss what's most important right here and now. Show up wholeheartedly for the small moments today because that's where the magic happens. Your journey starts with the next little step you take to show up. What will that step be?
Helpful Links
Staying Physically Healthy While Working from Home - a Go2 guide on maintaining your health and fitness when working from home.
Staying Mentally Healthy While Working from Home - a Go2 guide on maintaining your mental health and positive mindset when working from home.