In life, trying is the most important thing that cuts across all winners. Why? Because if you don’t show up, you don’t register any performance. For example, to win any race like a marathon, you must show up and participate first. If it is an exam, you must show up in the examination room. Whatever you think of in life, starts with taking the first step. Go show up.

As a consultant, I am always asking my colleagues ‘how do you get to be known if you don’t deliberately submit proposals?’ if you don’t knock at the door, nobody will know you are outside standing. That is a very important ingredient in life. I have realized many people have low self-esteem, are afraid of taking the first step and lose opportunities around them because they don’t show up.

In life, trying is the most important thing that cuts across all winners.

When I say showing up is the first step to success means you must try to fail. When you don’t try to fail, you don’t get any lessons. You don’t lose. Many times people who are not getting ahead are afraid of other things which could happen and yet until you fail, then you learn. And that is the lesson you need to improve your career. Show up.

Try. Learn. Take the lessons. Next time do it better. Repeat.