Last week’s topic was about the shift that takes us from beating ourselves up to celebrating where we are and doing the work with less frustration and more ease.
But what causes that shift? What leads to the change in perspective?
This is where I’d argue we really want that magic pill – a pill for that change in perspective. Something that takes us from frustrated and overworked to excited about what’s next.
Me and my coach, Christine Kane
About a year ago I joined a program that I had a gut feeling would help me grow my business in a way that worked for me (meaning I wouldn’t have to start doing things that just felt ick to me, but work wonderfully for others). Yes, the idea of a shift was in the back of my mind, but it wasn’t primarily what I was looking for.
I remember getting on a Q&A call near the beginning of the program, wanting the exact steps that I needed to take that would lead instantly to clients and more money coming in.
Christine didn’t tell me what I wanted to hear – she told me what I needed to hear: keep doing the work, keep showing up.
I was deflated. I knew she was right, but I wanted results NOW. And, as I learned, this is a very common question and problem – wanting the results packaged in a set of easily performed steps.
I did the work and I kept showing up. Without even realizing it, things started to shift.
Then something else amazing happened, I started getting a few more clients here and there.
So what happened? What caused the shift? How did I change?
I did the work and kept showing up.
And what the heck does that even mean?!
It means that I worked on the foundation of my business, I worked on being clear about how I help entrepreneurs (beyond the “this is how the program works”), I focused on one or two ways that I wanted to meet the people who would become my clients, I figured out what worked for me and what didn’t and I played with various habits to support me – I did the work.
I started paying attention again to where I stopped, revisited what I really wanted and I listened to every training and Q&A call with the intention of not just listening, but being engaged – I kept showing up.
What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.
– Zig Ziglar
Or, said another way:
It’s that becoming that people notice. It shows up in small ways: how you hold yourself and talk – your confidence and clarity. And you don’t even realize it’s happening at first.
Do the work and keep showing up.
What does doing the work and keep showing up look like for you? Share in the comments!
Evie – Great post! Thanks for introducing us to Christine’s Program. I am ready for BIG shifts this year and so excited we get to share it together.
When I am not networking with small business members and the community members, my job is to go visit over 250 physician offices a month and try to develop or further develop relationships. It takes motivation and perseverance to keep going to those offices every month when you rarely, if ever, get to see or say hi to the doctor.
Yesterday I walked into a physician office and started talking to the FD person. The doctor was walking the patient up to the FD and saw me standing there. He told the patient I want you to have your physical therapy at West and then introduced me to the patient. What great timing! I had the opportunity to talk to the patient and found out her previous experience at another PT clinic had not been a good one. I was able to reassure her and provide a more personal discussion about helping her with her chronic pain condition.
You never know where that next referral is coming from!
I have come to this realization although not using these specific words, Do the work and keep showing up. But that idea is quite similar to where I find myself. While not an entrepreneur, or anything, really; I pour myself into church work and keep showing up. I kept showing up until I asked for an office and got one. Currently, I have a title (with office prospects) at the church and plan to keep on working and showing up. I still don’t know what is ahead.
Leah, don’t sell yourself short. I know you to be many things – like many of us, you’re just a little hard on yourself 🙂
Sometimes not knowing exactly what’s ahead can be pretty exciting (even if frustrating in the process)