Show Up

A recent article in my local newspaper told the story of three remarkable brothers. The youngest of the three had just graduated from high school, and the article reported that this young man – like his two older brothers – had completed twelve years of school without a single absence. Think about it! These three boys showed up every single day of their entire elementary, middle school and high school careers. No sick days, no “mental health days”, no cutting class. They were present. They were present not only in the sense that they were in attendance but also in the sense that they were involved. All three excelled in both academics and sports, and their teachers described them as studious, motivated, polite and courteous.

Not surprisingly, the impetus for their consistency came from their parents. Their mother, a teacher, insisted on daily attendance and understood the importance of showing up. “As a teacher, I know that every day is important. If you lose a day, it’s hard on the student, on the teacher, and sometimes it’s a burden on the entire class. If you’re getting behind, someone else is getting ahead.” The boys’ dad was also instrumental in this initiative. Without fail, he drove his boys to school every day of every year.

We like people who show up.

They show up at meetings, parties and weddings. Being a no-show, especially after saying you’ll attend, is rude and gives you the reputation of being unreliable.
They show up for hospital visits and funerals. Sometimes these situations can be difficult and uncomfortable, but great people are there.
They show up in their community as supporters, donors and volunteers.
They show up for customers – keeping them informed and “in the loop”.
They show up for their children and grandchildren. As the story about the three brothers reveals, parental involvement and consistency pays off.
They show up for their parents and grandparents. They’re not so involved in their own lives that they have no time for those who need them.
They show up for their friends. In good times and bad, in laughter and tears, for congratulations and condolences, they are present.
They show up for work. And when they’re there, they give 100%; they don’t just fill a chair and collect a check. They know that success is impossible without showing up, and as the wise mom in our story put it, “If you’re getting behind, someone else is getting ahead.”
They show up for life. They are present, relishing every precious moment and making it count.

The message is clear. SHOW UP! You’ll be glad you did, and so will those with whom you interact.