The Art of Showing Up.

I have spent more time on calls over the past 12 months than I have in the previous 10 years of my life. Between those calls with my current and potential clients and the group coaching sessions that I lead,  I am at the point now where I can tell who is going to be hugely successful at what they want to do, and who is going to need a little more help to get there. In fact, I see it pretty clearly in my cello students as well.

There is one trait that the former group consistently exhibits.  

They show up.

Woody Allen has a quote about that, but he’s disgusting, so I’m not going to write it here.

But it’s true.

It’s the folks to who show up in their work; whether it’s to a group coaching session (live, or actually making the time to watch the replay) or their lesson (even if they’ve had a bad week) or doing the thing they said they would do (posting on FB, emailing a potential client, making a landing page) and who do it even if they have a headache. Even if they didn’t sleep well the night before, even if the weather is lousy, who are going to be successful.  They are the ones who will reach their goals and achieve their dreams.

The others? Well, they can learn how to do it as well. But they’ll have to face some hard truths along the way.

Steven Pressfield talks about it in his book, The War of Art, as the difference between the Amateur and the Professional.  The Amateur, he says, shows up when they feel inspired, when they feel like it, when the mood strikes them.  When all of the pieces are in perfect alignment for them to do the thing. The Pro, however, shows up every day. Shows up no matter what. Shows up even when they don’t feel like it.

As musicians, we recognize this in terms of practicing.  Those that figure out how to show up and get their butts in the practice room day after day, no matter what, will have far more success than those who bail out at the first sign of ennui.

So we should be able to transfer that professional attitude to the other parts of our lives.

And, honestly, most can.

This is why accountability is so helpful. As students, we learn how to practice consistently because we have things in place. Lessons, studio classes, seating auditions, competitions, and most importantly, our peer group. We don’t want to play badly in front of them, and if we told them we practiced 3 hours a day, we really don’t want them to catch us watching Netflix all afternoon, right?

Eventually, we see the link between that steady consistent work, and our artistic success, and we are able to get ourselves to practice without the need for peer pressure.

The same is true for adults, and for other types of goals. It’s why I am such a huge fan of a group program. You get the guidance of an experienced coach who has done it all before you, AND you’re surrounded by group of peers who are on the same path as you. When you announce that you’re going to get something done, it feels amazing to go back to them and declare success. To give it a huge public “Check”. The kudos, accolades and virtual applause received make you want to rush off to complete the next task. And the next.

Soon enough, it becomes a habit. Showing up. Doing the work.

Soon enough, you can hold yourself accountable.

Soon enough, you’ll be one of those successful types who Just.Always.Shows.Up.

Even if it’s raining.

Even if you have a headache.

Even if you didn’t sleep well last night.

How can you show up today?

Kate

“Vulnerability is not about winning or losing. It’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.” -Brené Brown

The Spring Session of my 10-week group coaching program, The Profit Pivot, is starting up next week, and there are only 2 spots left!  Want to know more about how a group might help you to show up and achieve your dreams? Book a (free) 30-minute ‘Discovery’ call with me to talk about you, your goals, and your ideas today! I also have one more 1:1 client slot available if that’s more your speed-but grab it before it’s gone. I won’t have any more openings until the fall!

In the meantime, join my Tales From The Lane Facebook Community for bonus material, live discussions, and tons of free content and insider info.