Just Show Up!

Over the past 26 years of my life, I've experienced and encountered many great moments and difficult moments. Living life is not an easy thing to do, especially when you have a ton of responsibilities upon you. However, when striving to do what we want in life (it can be about relationship, work, sport, anything), we know that we must work for it. We know that we have to be motivated every day in order to get to where we want to get. If I had to give only one source of motivational advice that can be very impactful for everyday life, it would be “showing up.”

We must understand that in order to strive at whatever desired goal we have in mind, it requires us to show up every day. SHOW UP! What happens when you show up? It shows that you’re there, and you’re committed and determined to be there. As an example, if you ever thought of losing weight or sculpturing your body, you know that it requires a healthy diet and going to the gym. Simply showing up to the gym already puts you in the right path to reach your goals. Of course, when showing up, it also means that you must be willing to put in the work. If you show up at the gym, and don’t work out and eat right, then you’re not going to reach your goal. It’s that simple.

However, if you force yourself to show up even when you’re uncomfortable or tired, you’re already doing more than most people. Even if you show up for just 20 minutes a day, you’re already doing more than what you did before. You’re getting closer to your goal. That’s why it is important to understand that being present is what leads you to success. Otherwise, your opportunities and goals will slip away.

Think of a person who is considered a champion. Maybe a boxer who is a champion, an actor/actress who’s a champion in Hollywood, or even Bill Gates who is a champion in entrepreneurship. Think about these types of people. What do all of these champions have in common? It’s that they all show up to where they’re supposed to be. A great boxer shows up to training every day in order to evolve into a better, more skillful boxer. A Hollywood star shows up to every audition they can in order to win a big movie/TV show role. Bill Gates shows up to work at his office to continue improving his companies. They all show up to become a better person than they were yesterday. By showing up, it allows them to welcome failure to their journey, in which it helps them learn valuable lessons that cannot be taught elsewhere. And that's how these successful people have discovered success along the way.

So, next time if you catch yourself being lazy or feeling tired, and you want to be a better lover, athlete, student, or as a person in general, then think like a champion by showing up. Think about what champions did to get to where they are now. Think about what your life will look like in a year, 2 years, or 5 years if you stick to your commitment. Think about it, envision it. That’s why many people never chase their dreams and goals because they make every kind of excuses they possibly can to avoid showing up to where they’re supposed to be. Be a champion of your own life. Be brave. Don’t be afraid to jump out of your comfort zone, because I can guarantee you that you’ll be in a much better place next year or become a better version of yourself. That’s why my friend, just simply SHOW UP!

-Miguel A. Lemus