There’s a big difference between showing off and showing up. Showing off is rarely productive or inspiring. But showing up? That’s where the power is. You see those brilliant red leaves, right? Okay, sure, maybe they do appear to be showing off, but they don’t do that every day. We count on that spectacular color to show up each autumn in Michigan. When those colors show up, it signals the start of an all-too-short cozy season. Knowing I can depend on the trees to do their “thing” is a comfort, especially when the world feels unpredictable and chaotic.

Showing up may not seem like much, but you’d be surprised what a difference it can make in your creative pursuits, your professional goals, and in your personal relationships. Consistency, even when we don’t feel like showing up, is what chips away at complacency and creates subtle, but persistent progress. I find it’s often best not to make showing up a decision. Will I? Won’t I? It’s best to view it as a foregone conclusion.

Will you join me in challenging ourselves to show up:

• At your desk/computer/workspace — I guarantee you’ll make more progress.
  • When I was working on the manuscript for my children’s book, I had to show up–even on vacation–because I was determined to meet every deadline set by my editor. Did I do it? Yes. (Sometimes I didn’t send a revision until 4:59 p.m., but I got it there.)
• For creative friends who need encouragement, a nudge or a lovingly worded challenge to help them get unstuck (so they can then show up, too).
  • I’ve found offering an open invitation to review a friend’s work or offer feedback can give them the motivation they need. Writing can be lonely work. Knowing someone is willing to show up for you can make other want to show up for themselves.
• For book launches or author talks to show fellow creatives our support. You don’t have to bring a gift. You don’t need to stay for hours. Just show up. Let them see your sweet, shiny face in the crowd.
  • I love cheering on friends at their events whenever I can. Plus, I find I almost always come away with an idea I can incorporate in my future presentations.
• For learning opportunities like workshops, virtual events, seminars, retreats, critique groups and classes. Get at least one on your calendar each season (and for those of you who live in a seasonless climate, let’s call it four times a year!)
  • I don’t have time to travel to far away events, so I often look for virtual opportunities — I’m still showing up!
• For yourself — for your health (both mental and physical), for your goals and ambitions, your rejuvenation. Get “you” on your calendar for annual check up, dental appointments, counseling sessions, and dates with friends who recharge your batteries.
  • I find this one can be the most challenging, but it’s what makes it possible to show up for all the others.

My little apple cinnamon tarts, of course, you can’t show up for everything and everyone all the time. No one can. Just be intentional and consistent with your choices and feel the satisfaction of your own forward momentum. I’m rooting for you. Ever forward. Ever forward.

(And yes, always show up for cider and donuts!)

Care to share your progress?

 The advice I like to give young artists, or really anybody who’ll listen to me, is not to wait around for inspiration. Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work. ~ Chuck Close