How Are You Showing Up?

For years, I had a personal trainer at the gym who kept me accountable. She ensured my form was correct, pushed me to increase weights, encouraged me when I wanted to give up, and made sure I finished every workout strong. Then, one day, she moved away, and her position wasn’t filled. Suddenly, it was just me, the routine written on the board, and the choice to show up or walk away.

It became my responsibility to push myself, challenge myself, and stay committed to becoming the best version of me—no matter who was watching.

That experience sparked a question: As leaders, do we show up the same way when no one is around?

When you walk into a gym and find it empty, what’s your first thought?

“No one will know if I leave, so I’ll skip it.”
“I’ll just do the bare minimum today and call it good.”
Or, “This is for me. I’ll give it my best effort, no matter what.”

It’s the same with leadership and personal growth. Investing in ourselves—whether through coaching, training, education, or something else—requires us to take ownership. It’s not just about showing up for external validation; it’s about committing to the process for you.

Growth Starts From Within

Just like working out, personal development is an inside job before it shows external rewards. It’s about consistently:

Showing up for yourself first.
Feeding your mind, body, and spirit with what helps you thrive.
Stretching beyond your comfort zone to expand your capacity.
Leaning into challenges, even when you want to give up.

When we do this, our internal growth creates a ripple effect that positively impacts how we show up for others—our teams, organizations, and communities.