The power of showing up | Ivy Manilag | TEDxUTM

Key Concepts

• Showing up: A mindset, habit, and daily act of courage to move forward despite fear and uncertainty.
• Change: Inevitable, personal, disorienting, and transformative.
• Self-doubt: Can be overcome by the act of showing up.
• Grace: Made possible by showing up, allowing for reframing of perceived failures.
• Ripple effects: Showing up inspires and empowers others.
• Presence: Being present is more important than being perfect.

Overcoming Adversity and Choosing to Show Up

The speaker, Eunice Lee, opens by sharing a personal anecdote about a low point in her life in December 2018, where she was facing financial difficulties and made the difficult decision to drop out of college. This breakdown became a turning point, leading to a new dimension of personal growth. She emphasizes that change is inevitable but often comes uninvited and unwanted. In moments of helplessness, the key is to choose to show up with what you still have rather than dwelling on what you've lost.

The Many Facets of Showing Up

Eunice illustrates how she showed up in various roles: as an eldest daughter, a job applicant, a freelancer, a creator, a coach, a leader, and a community builder. Showing up didn't always equate to immediate success; it involved shaky hands, rejection emails, and being in rooms with accomplished people. However, each instance of showing up led to a shift and growth.

Defining Showing Up

Showing up is defined as more than a one-time decision; it's a mindset, a habit, and a daily act of courage. It's about being present rather than perfect, speaking even when your voice shakes, and trying again despite uncertainty. It's about choosing to show up messy and uncertain but still moving forward.

Three Key Lessons Learned from Showing Up

1. Showing up is louder than self-doubt: Confidence isn't the loudest thing; showing up in the face of fear is. Eunice shares her experience of starting freelancing after resigning from her corporate job during the pandemic, without equipment, a mentor, or a clear plan. This act alone changed everything.
2. Showing up makes room for grace: Dropping out of college brought shame and a feeling of failure. However, showing up allowed her to reframe that moment as a pause and pivot, preserving her potential.
3. Showing up creates ripple effects: Eunice recounts how her 14-year-old half-sister chose her as the woman she looks up to for a school assignment during Women's Month. This highlighted that you never know who's watching you show up. Showing up isn't just for yourself but also for those your journey will empower.

Real-World Impact and Empowerment

Eunice now mentors thousands of students globally, leads global creative teams in the male-dominated cybersecurity industry, speaks on international stages, launches startups, and builds communities. She achieved all this without a mentor or a blueprint, driven by a passion to find her purpose.

Conclusion: The Power and Legacy of Showing Up

Eunice concludes by encouraging the audience to remember that they don't have to be ready to change their life; they just have to show up for it. Every brave act begins with presence, a decision, and a choice to show up, especially when it's hard. The power lies in showing up, and that's the legacy we leave behind.