We’re almost half way through 2023. Isn’t that wild?

As we reach the end of June, I’m giving myself a half-time report. I’m reviewing the last 6 months against the goals I set in January. Where have I made progress? Where have I not made progress? Where can I make adjustments? As part of this process, I also reflect on my word for the year.

If you’ve never set a word for the year, think of it as a focus area for your personal growth. You have one word that reflects the theme of your goals and priorities. For example, my word for 2022 was “consistent.” I really wanted to focus on discipline in my finances, in my health, and in my relationships, and overall, be known as a consistent person.

Back in December 2022, I spent time praying and asking God for my word for 2023. I struggled for a few weeks to feel settled on my word. I was in a place of frustration and angst when it came to my professional career. It didn’t have clarity on what job I’d have in 2023, but I knew I wanted a change and to experience growth. I considered “blossom” and “become,” but eventually, I ended up with a short phrase: “Show up.”

In January, I thought this phrase meant that I was going to become the person I needed to be. I was going to show up into a fuller representation of myself. And, if I’m honest, my real hopes were that I was going to step into a new role at work and use my talents for greater impact.

Things have gone differently than I imagined. I changed companies in February and I took on a role that was not necessarily a step up, but one that would allow me to learn new things. It has been different than anticipated, but I am challenged every day.

This role is teaching me to grind. There is a lot of hurry up and wait, and while I’m really good at the hurry, I’m not so good at the wait. I’m ultimately challenged to keep showing up when things aren’t exciting, to ask for what I need with confidence, and to keep moving when I don’t have all the steps laid out.

There have be times when I’ve wanted to back out on work trips because I wasn’t “feeling it.” Or days when it’s easier to do absolutely nothing than the 2 hours of work I have (why is that? Sometimes, I feel like I’m only motivated when I have a lot going on.) Getting on the plane has meant physically showing up to the job. Giving my all for the 2 hours of work is how I’m mentally showing up. So far, this is what “show up” has meant for me.

When I read this back, this concept seems so obvious. It’s almost the bare minimum of life. But I don’t think I’m alone in admitting that it’s challenging.

Comedian John Mulaney has a whole bit where he thanks his audience for coming to his show because he knows it would have been easier to stay home. He says:

“It is so much easier not to do things than to do them, that you would do anything is totally remarkable. Percentage-wise, it is 100% easier not to do things than to do them. And so much fun not to do them, especially when you are supposed to do them.”

Isn’t that the truth?

Maybe that’s all life really is? A continual pursuit of showing up, despite our moods, despite our circumstances, and despite all the ways our brain says, “You don’t have to do this.”

Yes, we should rest and not overcommit ourselves, but ultimately we need to honor our commitments and give 100% to whatever role we find ourselves in. Especially if you’re dreaming of a new role.

In Jeff Henderson’s book “What to Do Next,” he says, “The path to your dream job is often found through your day job.” Don’t let being uncomfortable rob you of showing up to what’s in front of you. You never know where you’ll end up.

And hey, I’d encourage you to take time this week to give yourself a half-time report. Where do you need to start showing up again?