Question I get asked a lot:

You always seem to have your act together and get so much done.

Nothing gets you down. How do you do it?

Real talk…

I get down from time-to-time, but I don’t stay down. I’m what you would call an opti-opportunist. Yes, I’m making up my own words here.

Optimist + Opportunist = Opti-opportunist

What this means for me is I put myself out there often, do great, fail miserably, throw a 15 minute tantrum – and the start all over again. It might sound a bit crazy and disjointed. That’s because it is.

Life is messy and interesting and happening right now. I focus on my right now, dip my toe in tomorrow, and scribble on flip chart paper about the long-term future. I exhaust myself with ideas and I stay up way too late – some nights – when I get a brain burst of “Oh my goodness! Wouldn’t that be great if I…?!” I journal, dream, brainstorm, and create.

I show up.

Showing up every day takes a lot of work. It can be time consuming and sucky. It can make you want to take a mental coma vacation and sit in bed eating cookies on the side of the bed you don’t sleep on. You may fall into the compare and despair spin cycle as you unnecessarily keep score with others.

Showing up every day also breathes life into what you are most passionate about. You can pat yourself on the back for opening the blinds (even if you don’t want to) and boldly greeting the day. You can pump you fist (literally or figuratively) while your “I just rocked that” theme song plays in your head. You can wear a sequins top with sweat pants and showcase your can do attitude without a second thought.

Showing up every day is what makes me an opti-opportunist.

If you are looking to awaken your opti-opportunist – so you can show up daily – consider this:

Perceived burdens and obstacles are opportunities. Greet each one openly and have a chat. My chat with an obstacle typically goes like this, “Ok, I see you. Now what? How are we going to work together so I can get on with my plans? Yes, I’m listening and ready to learn – so let’s go!”

Worrying about being good enough is silly. Do not let your energy flow that way. When you show up fully – you are more than good enough because you are present.

Align your thoughts, words, and actions. Words have so much power and that is easy for us to forget. Bombard yourself with affirming messages. Leave a love note Post-it on your bathroom mirror when you get ready for bed. Send yourself an “I’ve got this!” text. Leave yourself a voicemail message with a bold quote that helps you show up.

When you love yourself and practice self-love, you thrive. When you scrutinize yourself or your work – adjust your self-love lens. When you questions if you “really deserve it” – listen with your compassionate ears. When you say you are not worthy – take a break, rest, and start the conversation over again.

Smile every day. Smile at yourself and smile at others. Smiling is simple and makes a huge difference.

How do you show up?

photo: 3x3x365.blogspot.com