Today’s post is about the value of finding a way to do something, when it would be easier not to. It’s about showing up and doing work that matters, even when you have a valid reason to give it a miss.
Christmas Eve
Based on last year’s figures, just 40% of my usual readership will visit here today, because this is a business site and today is Christmas Eve; a huge day for many people around the world. So, it would have been extremely easy for me, to not show up today. No one would blame me. Even those of you who visit this blog today would understand, if you’d checked and saw nothing had been posted.
In business, we are often presented with compelling reasons not to show up or take action. For example, the current economic downturn presents us all with a reason to put off investing in just about anything. Then there’s writer’s block, it’s challenging to get a great newsletter written, when you don’t feel creative. What about the weather? If the weather’s really bad, you have a valid reason not to attend that client meeting. There are always plenty of reasons not to do something.
So, why did I post today?
For those who are prepared to look, there are also lots of valid reasons to show up and make things happen. I’m publishing this post today, because I know that 40% of this blog’s reader community will value it today. In a few days, the other 60% will notice it too and all 100% will know that I looked for a valid reason to turn up for you.
I wrote this post, because I knew it mattered. It shares a useful message and also demonstrates exactly what the message means: By showing up today, when I had a valid reason not to.
The magic of finding a way, when it’s easier not to
People are unlikely to think negatively of you, if you are unable to do something and you have a valid reason. Some things genuinely can’t be avoided.
However, when you are able to find a way to ‘do the work’, at a time where people are not expecting it, they notice. It’s a chance for your business to shine. It’s an opportunity to invest in your relationship with your clients, customers or marketplace. It was actually very easy to share this post with you today. I simply wrote it on 12th December and scheduled it to be published on 24th December; when I hope to be with my family getting ready for Christmas. No one said it needed to be difficult.
For those, like myself, who celebrate Christmas, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas. For my friends who do not, have an amazing Saturday!
Photo: Jennifer Donley
Jim Connolly
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December 24, 2011 at 13:37
I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas Jim.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts throughout the year.
Steve
December 24, 2011 at 13:46
You’re very kind, Steve.
I wish you and yours the very best for a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
December 24, 2011 at 14:09
Hi Jim
So here I am Mr 40% LOL
I like the message – simple but powerful and well explained.
Thanks for showing up… when you had a valid reason not to.
December 24, 2011 at 14:14
Hey Keith. Thanks for the kind words and for being one of the committed 40%!
December 24, 2011 at 18:11
I’m not a regular reader, this is my first time visiting, so I don’t think I count in the 40%.
I came from a link, but I think it is a good message.
December 25, 2011 at 19:58
Welcome to the blog, Ryan.
December 24, 2011 at 19:43
Nice post, I came through the same link as Ryan.
My daughter and I just finished up our 4 hour trek of home made gift basket deliveries to this year’s clients, a few of our top referrers and as many of previous year clients as we can squeeze in.
Not exactly the same thing…but it kind of is.
December 25, 2011 at 19:59
That’s just what I was talking about. Keep on doing work that matters, Owen!
December 26, 2011 at 07:55
Well I’m by the 60%, but a huge fan so I can get more 10%
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and may this week magic !
All the very best to all.
December 26, 2011 at 07:59
Hi Yael. It’s always a pleasure to see you whatever the day.
Have a great day and thanks for showing up
December 26, 2011 at 21:01
Thank you Jim. It’s such a pleasure to read you every day
January 6, 2012 at 02:26
Totally got it! I will find reasons not to do thing or not showing up. Last night I had only 3 hours of sleep. I really wish to sleep more, but I got to be in office to take massive action.
It helps with a team around me. There are 2 other team members whom we hold each other accountable. This got me to wake up from my non-sufficient sleep to head to office.