In 2009, I traveled about half as much as I had in previous years. Part of that was due to the fact that a number of adult ed programs where I’d taught had disappeared. Part of it was my desire to be a homebody for a while.
Nevertheless, that didn’t mean I hibernated. I kept showing up in new ways and in new places. I became a regular contributor to Vibrant Nation and regularly sent things to EzineArticles. I launched Follow Through Camp. I got serious about this blog. Most significantly, I became a raving fan of Twitter where I found kindred spirits and fabulous resources. Even as I stayed home, my world expanded.
I also was repeatedly alarmed by all the followers on Twitter and friends on Facebook who never bothered to show up after setting up their account. The majority of them never posted a word. I kept wondering what they were waiting for.
Woody Allen’s observation about just showing up is one of the most repeated quotes on success. And, yet, there are more people NOT showing up than there are those jumping in, meeting people, trading ideas, getting inspired.
Sometimes showing up is an act of integrity. Several years ago when Karyn Ruth White was launching her speaking business, she booked a class at Discover U in Seattle. Shortly before she was to fly there from Denver, she got a call from the program director saying that only six people had signed up so Karyn was free to cancel, if she wanted.
Although this meant she’d be losing money, Karyn’s response was, “If there are six people who want to know about using humor as a stress management tool, I’ll be there.”
As it happened, one of those six students loved Karyn’s class so much that she went back to her employer, Microsoft, and convinced them to book the seminar in-house. Of course, Karyn had no way of knowing that this was going to happen, but it was a powerful reminder of the importance of showing up when you said you would.
Another argument I hear about not showing up comes from folks just getting started who think they haven’t got much to contribute. Or perhaps they’re busy comparing themselves to more accomplished folks (who’ve been at it longer).
So when should you show up? After you’re a huge success? Sorry. It doesn’t work that way.
Here’s what the late Jim Rohn thought about that attitude: “A guy says, ‘Oh, if I had a big organization, then I’d really pour it on. But I just have a few and I don’t know where they’re at.’ If you just have a few distributors, that’s the time to sharpen your skills of communication and pour it on. When there are just a few, give it all you’ve got.”
Obviously, Rohn was addressing folks in direct sales, but his wisdom applies to novices as well as pros: Interacting is how we sharpen our skills. Doesn’t it follow that the more you show up, the sharper you’ll get?
If you only make one change in the coming year, I’d suggest that you make Showing Up your new hobby. Keep looking for ways to do just that and you’re bound to amaze and astonish yourself—while sharing your unique perspectives and gifts with the world.
Why wouldn’t you?
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Wonder if spending time on Twitter is a waste of time? Read what author Tyler Cowen has to say about that in his piece from Fast Company magazine.
I’ve been on Twitter for a little while (semi-actively for a few months now) and I find myself leery of chattering for the sake of just making noise – there is so much noise out there it can be quite overwhelming! I retweet when something touches me; I guess I don’t want to be obsequious simply to gain attention. Maybe I just don’t “get it” in the way the successful people do. Perhaps my case can be rationalized by the last year or so – I was on disability for depression and anxiety for most of it and have lost confidence in my value as a professional. However, I was an employee who felt very undervalued, and now am exploring ways that I might deliver value and make a (joyfully jobless!) living. And, I suppose, healing and regaining the courage to venture forth into what felt for so long like a very critical world.
Isn’t it possible to be at a stage where one is present by paying attention? We can’t always listen while our mouths are moving, can we?
Yes, of course, Jennifer, paying attention is part of it. But so is passing along things that you find valuable. Twitter is just another tool for building relationships. The great thing is that we can build them with people we might never meet in real life. If you follow people who are in the conversation, responding from time to time is a way of showing gratitude and acknowledgment…two building blocks of healthy relationships. By the way, unfollowing the noise makers also creates a Twitter stream that’s a lot more inviting.
Thank you for such a quick response, Barbara! And you are right – really, I need to get better about using my lists. I don’t know how to keep up with so many people! I admit I also need to reframe my view of online interaction; experience as an employee where it was mostly “naughty” has spilled over too much. Figuring out what I am doing will help as well; it won’t do to go though life feeling like an impostor any longer!
Barbara – This post really spoke to my heart and confirmed something I’ve been toying with over the past couple months. I am Joyfully Jobless and love it! It’s been over 2 years since I left the corporate world and to tell you the truth, I wouldn’t go back.
I struggled over the past year doing what I “should” be doing to grow my business such as large group networking and cold calling. What I found as I looked at the end of the year was that all the business tactics that I thought I “should” be doing brought in prospects, but no new clients. When I indulged myself and did the things I loved such as writing, facilitating workshops, enhancing my website, the prospects (who turned into clients) showed up.
The validation I took from your post was that it’s okay to follow your passions (rather than the “should’s), but still engage. That is my plan for 2010. Thank you!