"Showing up" was the title of a recent post by Steve Pavlina. Steve shared Woody Allen's quote "80% of success is showing up". Steve elaborated this concept by rightfully concluding, "While merely showing up won't guarantee success, it's certainly is a prerequisite".
Living in abstraction or daydreaming will never generate success. Turning abstract goals and dreams into a process of "showing up" is necessary for self-fulfillment and development. Abstract goals must find expression in concrete, active behavior. "Showing up" on a regular basis will result in 80% success according to Steve. Steve provided many examples of how to "show up" and enrich your life.
Identifying when it is necessary to "show up" and make major changes in one's life is a major problem for most people. Helping people realize their need to "show up" is a major problem facing most mental fitness experts and self-help gurus.
Because of the difficulties most people have in identifying when they need to "show up" , I have recently blogged numerous times on people's emptiness and signals of emptiness. People need to "show up" , when they are empty, have signals of emptiness or to prevent emptiness.
Steve emphasized showing up on a regular basis by making habits to "show up". He gave the example of "showing up" in relationships. "Simple relationship habits like staring your partner in the eyes and saying “I love you” every day help build a bond of closeness".
In my e-books, I Live within the Environment Created by My Choices and The North Star Mental Fitness Program, there is The Power Choice for successful "showing up".
Steve and I agree that "showing up" is necessary for success. Steve and I also agree that "showing up" consistently forms habits necessary for success. We also agree that showing up will not guarantee success as there are many other determining factors to consider.
In working with my clients I've found "showing up" by expressing goals in concrete actions did not work for many clients. I soon discovered that people's motivation was of paramount importance in determining whether people "showed up" or were able to maintain "showing up" over a long period of time.
Motivations out of compliance, fear, anxiety, popularity, pleasing others, dependency or hostility prevented successful "showing up". "Showing up" is successful, when people are motivated to satisfy their wants, needs, commitments, values, and assume necessary responsibilities to reach their goals.
Because of the necessity proper motivation or learning how to take care of oneself, there is The Big Choice in my mental fitness program.
To make sure that people "show up" in a successful manner, there is The Power Choice. This choice presents the three step process necessary for actualizing and maintaining successful "showing up".
"Showing up" is extremely important for success in any aspect of your life. "Showing up" must be motivated by the right motives in order to last and become passionate and enduring. "Showing up" can become habitual and exciting by applying The Right Choice and The Power Choice from the North Star Mental Fitness Program.
When Steve talks about "showing up", I believe his success is because his "showing up" is embedded in his motivation to take care of himself and is a manifestation of his motivation.
In the new year, your life will prosper by making choices to take care of yourself by "showing up".
Remember, You Live within the Environment Created by Your Choices!
Dr. Hal
Life and Mental Fitness Coach

Showing up has always been a big problem for me, whether it's to a family gathering, work, church, etc. It's so easy to talk myself out of showing up, but as I practice the north star mental fitness program, I realize I feel worse when I make excuses for not showing up. I may not be comfortable in certain situations but after it's over I feel empowered. I did it, by making the choice I choose to make. It's a powerful feeling!!! I have a lot to learn.
Thanks again Dr. Hal
p.s. don't ever quit your job!!!
Posted by: sherry a. | December 28, 2006 at 09:10 AM
Sherri,
Thank you for sharing your problems, feelings and successes. I am very happy for you that you made significant changes in your life and turned sickness into fun. I hope you will continue with your new choices.
Posted by: Dr. Hal | December 31, 2006 at 12:57 PM