(Note: I use AI to help me translate my stories from Japanese to English.)
Do you know the saying, “Eighty percent of success is showing up”? Woody Allen, a writer and film director, said this.
I really like this saying, and I’ve repeated it to myself many times.
For example, I don’t like attending company parties. I get nervous and uncomfortable when I go because there are a lot of people, and I feel pressured to talk to them.
In these situations, I remind myself that simply attending is already 80% of success. I may not talk to many people, but just showing up and being there counts as success.
I’m introverted and don’t enjoy going out or talking with other people. You may be like me. However, unless we show up, we won’t meet people who might become our friends, and we won’t have many good experiences.
Recently, I came across a book about building romantic relationships. According to the author, what sets apart those who find a partner from those who don’t is their willingness to be present. They regularly step outside their comfort zones to meet others.
The author even wrote that some “villains” have romantic partners simply because they put themselves out there and meet people.
Even if you’re a good person, if you never go out, nobody will know you exist.
We often feel pessimistic before showing up, but once we do, we can often turn it into a positive experience. Even if we fail, we can try again in a different way next time.
If you’re a student or an employee, simply going to school or work is already 80% of success. And if you can’t manage that, just getting out of bed and stepping outside can still count as success.
You don’t have to take big or difficult steps. All you need to do is show up. It’s a small step, but one that can make a big difference.