The Discipline of Showing Up - How you Become a Professional
At the core of personal and professional growth is the discipline of showing up consistently, every day, ready to do the hard or mundane work that needs to be done.
Steven Pressfield champions this concept in "The War of Art," emphasizing that the act of “turning pro” transcends the pursuit of excellence in one's field. “Turning pro” means overcoming the resistance that manifests as procrastination, self-doubt, and a myriad of other excuses. This resistance is the primary barrier between the amateur and the professional. By committing to show up and do the work, day in and day out, we engage in a profound act of professional and personal transformation.
Embracing the Process Over Perfection
A common misconception is the notion that every piece of work we produce must be a masterpiece. This unrealistic expectation can stifle creativity and hinder productivity. True professionals understand that the path to excellence is paved with trials, errors, and, yes, even mediocre outputs. It is through the consistent practice of our craft, producing a volume of work—both good and bad—that we stumble upon great ideas and breakthroughs. This process-oriented approach encourages experimentation and learning from failure, fostering an environment where innovation can flourish.
The Professional's Mindset: A Commitment to Continuous Learning
Another hallmark of a true professional is the dedication to lifelong learning. This mindset of perpetual learning entails a curiosity that drives us to explore new ideas, acquire new skills, and seek feedback for improvement. Viewing each challenge as an opportunity for growth enables us to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges or change. The professional’s journey is one of constant evolution, where the discipline of showing up is complemented by an unwavering pursuit of knowledge and excellence.
In Conclusion
Becoming a professional is less about achieving sporadic moments of brilliance and more about the steadfast commitment to the process of showing up and doing the work. This discipline, when practiced consistently, creates the fertile ground necessary for breakthroughs and mastery. By embracing the journey, with its successes and setbacks, we chart a path to professional excellence and personal fulfillment.
Practical Ways to Embrace Professional Discipline
Daily Commitment: Set a non-negotiable time each day dedicated to your craft, regardless of how you feel.
Embrace Failure: View every misstep as a stepping stone to greater understanding and skill.
Seek Feedback: Regularly solicit constructive criticism to refine your work and approach.
Continuous Learning: Dedicate time each week to learning something new related to your field.
Mindfulness: Cultivate a practice of mindfulness to enhance focus and presence in your work.
Remember, the journey to professionalism is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring persistence, resilience, and a deep-seated belief in the value of showing up, day after day.
Five Facets of Health: Week 40
If you're new to the 5 Facets of Health, learn more here. Avoid trying to implement everything at once! These suggestions are meant to spark ideas. To build healthy habits, focus on one or two aspects over the next week.
Physical Health
Achieving optimal physical condition isn't about daily peaks but the cumulative effect of consistent effort. Day-to-day progress may sometimes feel elusive, yet the discipline of regular activity culminates in significant gains over time.
"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."
— James Clear
Action: Commit to a form of physical activity daily, even if it's just a 10-minute walk. The key is consistency, not intensity.
Mental Health
Navigating mental health challenges can often feel isolating and overwhelming. Remember, it's okay to have tough days. What's important is your commitment to pushing through and utilizing your support network.
"The mind is everything. What you think, you become."
— Buddha
Action: Allocate time each week to engage in a mental health practice, such as journaling or mindfulness meditation, that helps ground your thoughts and emotions.
Emotional/Social Health
How do we show up for those we love the most? Sometimes, because of stresses from work or other outside forces, we come home tired and not our best selves. Before your walk in the house, pause and determine to be patient, present, and kind with your family. Find ways to serve them. Your efforts will make a massive difference in the quality of relationships you have with your family.
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
— Maya Angelou
Action: Before you enter your home each day, take a moment to reset your intentions to be present, patient, and kind with your loved ones. Consider one small act of kindness to show your appreciation for them.
Spiritual Health
A steady engagement with spiritual practices is key to maintaining a sense of purpose and connection with God. Regularly dedicating time to prayer, meditation, or scriptural study can keep the spiritual flame alive, fostering a deeper connection with your faith or personal beliefs.
"True prayer is a way of life, not just for use in cases of emergency. Make it a habit, and when the need arises you will be in practice."
— Billy Graham
Action: Dedicate a few minutes each morning or evening to a spiritual practice of your choice, whether it's meditation, prayer, or reading spiritual texts, to nurture this connection.
Financial Health
The compound effect in finances is real. If you can regularly invest and keep a long time horizon, you will almost always win. Find an investment you believe in and stick with it over the long haul.
"Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving."
— Warren Buffet
Action: Review your finances and set up an automatic monthly contribution to a savings or investment account, no matter how small. Focus on the habit of saving, not the amount.
Excellent article Ken. Admittedly, I sometimes struggle to show up, feeling overwhelmed, but even small daily efforts brings a small matter of success and progress.