"The willingness to show up changes us, it makes us a little braver each time"

Showing up matters. It may sound simple, but that’s the crux of the idea. Just by being there, by being present, you start to change. You get a bit braver every time you do it. Picture this: you’re terrified of speaking in public. The first time you step up to that podium, your hands are shaking, your voice might crack, but you do it. The next time? Maybe the shaking is still there, but it’s less. Eventually, you stand there with confidence. That’s the transformative power of showing up.

Think back to when this concept might’ve emerged. It’s likely tied to moments of personal growth or significant historical events where persistence was key. Imagine early pioneers, the ones who ventured into unknown lands. Every time they faced the hardships of exploration, they didn’t know what awaited them. The willingness to face those uncertainties made them braver, more resilient. Or, consider the civil rights activists who, despite threats and violence, kept showing up at protests and sit-ins. Their courage grew each time, not because danger diminished, but because they grew stronger.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Look at someone training for a marathon. The first run is the hardest. You might feel like collapsing after a mile, every muscle screaming. But you persist. You show up for training the next day, and the next. You run in the rain, in the heat, in the cold. Each run isn’t just a physical workout—it’s a mental one. You’re telling yourself, “I can do this.” By the time race day comes, you’re not just ready physically. You’ve built up a mental toughness that says, “I’ve shown up repeatedly, and I’m ready.”

So, how can you apply this in your life? Start by identifying the areas where you need to show up more. Is it at work, where you need to contribute more ideas? Or maybe in your personal life, where you need to confront a difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding? Start small. Don’t aim to conquer your fear in one go. Just show up. Each time you do, you’re building that bravery muscle. It's like a workout for your courage.

Imagine this scenario: you’ve always wanted to write a book. The idea of putting your thoughts on paper and then showing it to the world? Terrifying. But what if you start small? Set a goal to write 200 words a day. Some days, those words might be garbage. It doesn’t matter. You’re there, you’re writing. Eventually, you’ve got a draft. The act of consistently showing up to write not only improves your skills but also builds your confidence. Now, sharing your work doesn’t seem so daunting because you’ve already faced the hard part—showing up to write every day.

In essence, showing up is about embracing the journey, not just the destination. It’s about recognizing that each moment you face your fear or discomfort, you’re crafting a braver version of yourself. So, next time you’re tempted to shy away from something challenging, remember: just showing up is half the battle. And each time you do, you’re a little bit stronger, a little bit braver, and a lot more capable.