Firepower: Showing Up
Firepower: Showing Up
Phil Connor
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I have to write a column this month. In fact, I need to write two columns to get back on schedule. My family is arguing over what to do for Thanksgiving, which is still many months away. My boss has increased the pressure on me to hit my targets and grow profitability at the same time. There’s a squirrel in the yard that’s staring at me, and it’s really wigging me out.
Okay, you get the picture—and perhaps you feel the stress I’m feeling with these demands on my time and energy hitting me all at once. Why even get up in the morning? What I do barely makes an impact. Why should I try to tackle the mundane things that I need to do to keep my business running or keep my job or relationships thriving?
The fact of the matter is that our success is always right around the corner and may be after our very next obstacle. Successful people in all walks of life know that the next obstacle we encounter may be the last one we face. Our world is fast-paced, and we are often overly stressed, so we can persuade ourselves to hold off on following up on that next lead, prospecting that local builder, or taking on other tasks.
But that’s what everyone else does. As readers of this magazine—and especially this column—I imagine we all want to harness the firepower within to rise above what the mob does and be different. We want to make an impact—not because we want to be better than other people, but because we want to be better than we were yesterday.
Given that, here are some ideas on how we can show up better tomorrow than we are today—and why it’s important.
We want to make an impact— not because we want to be better than other people, but because we want to be better than we were yesterday.
Be Noticed
First, people usually notice when we show up because we make an impact. Our smiles and connections are memorable. If we feel insecure or uncertain about that, we should do some self-examination, dig deep, and reflect on why we value our friends and co-workers. Let’s take a moment and perhaps even write it down and then read through the list. What items on the list do we also bring to others when we show up? We are the light. Sometimes when we’re down, we forget that it’s hard to see the impact we have on others. Let’s commit to focusing on those around us and know that even the slightest positive impact we make on others is a win.
Be Appreciated
I remember years ago, a colleague shared with me that she was so upset that gas stations in New Jersey were full service. She didn’t like waiting for people to pump her gas. I would like to believe that she’s the exception. I have often appreciated the industrious people at gas stations working in all types of weather and temperatures so that I could stay in my nice car that’s dry and comfortable. It’s a little thing, and I know they’re paid (and maybe it is even a mandatory government regulation), but I appreciate it. I don’t say it to them often enough, but I will tip the attendants on really bad weather days to let them know that I appreciate them. Maybe it’s a brief smile when we hold the door for someone or a look in the eyes of a customer we helped without charging. No matter what, we should look for the little signs that what we’re doing is appreciated.
Let’s commit to focusing on those around us and know that even the slightest positive impact we make on others is a win.
Make a Statement
Even if it’s not readily noticed or appreciated, what we do is a statement of our quality and integrity. We are there whether the occasion is significant or not, whether we are required to be there or not. We commit to being there because we know we might be needed and we bring value. We are there because we want to be and other people are important to us.
Foster Connections
When we show up, we stay connected to others, even in this distracted, fast-paced world. We’re able to enjoy shared experiences that, when woven together, create a fabric that is strong and resilient. Sometimes showing up is for others in our life, but sometimes it’s for us. We can’t strengthen our relationships by being distant and aloof. It requires being there and engaging with others to strengthen our ties with them. When we can find ways to connect with others, we benefit as much as the person with whom we’re connecting. Whether it’s having a chat over coffee or waving with a smile to a passing bus driver, let’s find ways to connect with each other.
Simply put, showing up is 90% of the battle. That’s an old saying, but it has some truth that resonates when we say it out loud. Why is this true? Because so many people quit before they try. They fail because they don’t show up. We can differentiate ourselves in all aspects of life by showing up. That leads to being noticed and appreciated by those around us. Making a statement and a connection, no matter how small, can be significant. I like to say that every flood begins with one drop and every avalanche with one snowflake. What small steps can we take today to ensure we show up tomorrow? And in what way will we show up? Here’s my September challenge to you: Set a goal of smiling at five people tomorrow. Imagine the impact you’ll make. Thanks for reading. Have a prosperous month!
When we show up, we stay connected to others, even in this distracted, fast-paced world.
Phil Connor
Phil is always working with his team at Ignition Labratory to find new ways to spread the fire. If you found Phil's column impactful, or if you'd like to have him speak at an upcoming event, contact him at phil.connor@live.com.
