Just show up, as you are. You don’t have to look or feel great. You don’t have to be prepared for each challenge or know all the ‘how’s’ of every situation. You don’t have to be fearless, or have all the answers, or be 100% ready. Nobody is any of these things. Nobody ever was. It’s not about being perfect, at all.
You just have to show up, as you are, despite all the objections and insecurities of your mind, despite each and every fear that threatens to hold you back, despite the limitations and criticisms others will place on you. To hell with it all. This is your life, your journey, your adventure, and all it’s asking of you is to show up for it, as you are. That’s enough. That’s more than enough. That’s everything, That’s you actively taking Key Steps to….
‘be the difference that makes the difference.’
Just showing up has been on my mind the whole week because of how many times I see people tempted to shrink back, but they don’t, and magic happens…
- A challenging piece of work. I recently watched ‘The Greatest Night in Pop’ on Netflix. This was the night, in 1986, that so may talented artists came together and created ‘We are the World’ – raising $80 million. While recording, the artists were clearly nervous and often doubtful they could pull it off. But they did it. They made mistakes, they struggled, they laughed, they figured it all because they were able to just show up.
- A company restructure. I come across so many coaching clients who feel out of place when a restructure ‘forces’ them into a new role and they are not sure they can add value or are just not enjoying being out of their comfort zone. Usually 6 to 12 months later, they are settled, adding value and making magic. If you have the opportunity… just show up.
- A new role. Similar to point 2, I often coach clients who are excited about a new role but, a few weeks in, they wonder what on earth they’ve got themselves into. I felt like this after giving birth to Mila. Again, within a few months, things click into place. It can be hard to stay the course and trust that… Just show up.
- When someone needs you and you feel out of your depth. This often happens to me in my parenting role. All too often, I don’t have the answers, I am not sure what to do. Just show up. That’s what children need… parents who show up for them – again and again – along their journey. I’ve also felt it with friends or colleagues dealing with loss or trauma. You aren’t there to fix. Just show up.
- When you feel you aren’t quite ready. I am a recovering perfectionist who is prone to over preparing so if I listened to my inner critic, I’d never show up. I’ve learnt to say YES even when I don’t think I am ready because I am usually way more ready that I think I am. Experience has taught me that who I am is enough and perfect is a total illusion. Just show up.
I could think of so many more examples but I’d love to hear yours… Where do you need to trust yourself enough, trust that you are enough and just show up?
Taking those Key Steps could very well…
‘be the difference that makes the difference.’
NOTE: The information in my blog may be freely shared and re-used in any online or offline publication, provided it is accompanied by the following credit line: This was written by Dr Sharon King Gabrielides, and originally appeared in her free bi-weekly ‘Key Steps Food for Thought Blog’ available on the Key Steps website.
About Dr Sharon King Gabrielides
Sharon is a dynamic facilitator, speaker and executive coach with over 25 years’ experience in leadership development and organisational transformation. Her PhD thesis contributed a framework for holistic and sustainable leadership development that was published by Rutgers University in the USA. She is faculty of numerous business schools and highly sought-after by leading corporates because she works hand-in-hand with them to create sustainable results and long-term success. In 2020, Sharon was inducted into the Educators Hall of Fame, which is a lifetime achievement award, recognising excellence and her contribution to the field.
Sharon is one of only three women in South Africa to hold the title of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) – the Oscar of the speaking industry. She is also a COMENSA Master Practitioner (CMP), a qualified Modern Classroom Certified Trainer (MCCT™) and an accredited Global Virtual Speaker. Sharon is also a registered Education, Training and Development Practitioner (ETDP), holds an Honours degree in Psychology and practices as an NLP master practitioner.
Most important to Sharon is that she has become known for her genuinely caring manner, practical and transformational approach, and for providing valuable tools and that allow people to take Key Steps to really… ‘be the difference that makes the difference.’
