If showing up is 80% of life, doing what’s asked of you gets you at least to 95%... make sure you know what that is!

Showing up is not the easiest part of life, but according to Woody Allen, “Showing up is 80 percent of life”. 

Showing up can be difficult, but is doable most of the time... but what is easy and also gets you closer to the finish line is simple: do what is asked of you.

This is something that is tough to us throughout our educational experience but is often lost as we transition to the professional space.

In schools we have lesson plans and syllabuses. In real life, it can be more ambitious and confusing given the amount of responsibilities we have.

First things first: when someone like a boss or a spouse asks something of you and it will take less than 2 mins, just do it (check out my post on executing tasks). Always complete these tasks in a timely manner. 

Next make sure you have a cadence with people you are accountable to in order to discuss what is expected of you. Record these accountabilities and make sure you make progress before the next meeting.  

In the event you do not make progress, make sure you have a reason why you did not, and have a plan on how to make up the lost time.  People, especially bosses and executives want concise answers or reasons why you don’t have an answer and a recovery plan.

What are some tools you have found useful in doing what is asked of you, either personally or professionally?