Chapter 2: “Just Show Up”

Blank front cover on “Three Trees.” More to come.

The Three Trees will debut on May 1. Originally written as a graduation gift book, it has evolved into short stories that will appeal to readers of all ages.

Chapter 2 “Just Show Up” from The Three Trees

Just Show Up

That’s it.

It’s a significant measure of success. Just show up every day.

It’s incredible what a difference that will make in the arc of your life.

If you’re in school, don’t sleep in and miss that 7:45 class.

Students who attend class usually pass.

Those who miss class often don’t.

Just show up.

You may be in the workforce.

Show up every day.

Don’t miss unless it’s a true emergency.

And by all means, use the phone to let your boss know ahead of time.

Show up for wherever you’re supposed to be.

My friend Mollie Bailey runs Grant Christmas Tree Farm with her husband, Gray. The day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) is their biggest tree sale and the most visitors.

It takes literally over one hundred workers to make it clear. Mollie rolls her eyes on the big morning, “Curt, you wouldn’t believe how many calls I get the night before stating that a shopping trip or event will keep them from working that day.

Man, if you’re supposed to be somewhere, show up.

And get there early.

Don’t rush in right at time, beat the clock.

I have a friend who says, “If you’re not ten minutes early, you’re late.”

Don’t use that snooze button. It’s not made for winners.

Get out of bed and get your day started.

Get after it.

It’s also essential to build some lag time in your commute, whether it’s a short walk across campus or an hour-long drive to the refinery plants in Sulphur.

Finally, I have a family member who uses the “A.I.S.”

A.I.S. times means the kids are buckled, the vehicle is running, and we’re cleared for takeoff.

I’ll let you surmise what “A.I.S.” is.

It means getting a particular part of your anatomy in the seat ready to go.

That’s A.I.S.

Just show up.

It’s a big deal.

NOTES TO MY FUTURE SELF: