5 Ways To Show Up For Yourself In 2020
If you’re reading this, there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ve read blog posts or even listened to podcasts about how to have a [insert any adjective you want] kind of year. I’m here with some advice for 2020, but let me level with you for a sec. This isn’t the kind of advice that’s going to guarantee you the most amazing, drama-free 2020 ever. No one can promise that to any of us. But this advice will empower you to show up for yourself in 2020 and to stop waiting to go after whatever it is you want.
Now, let’s get into it.
1. Choose Discipline Over Motivation
I say this because motivation won’t always be there. I can’t tell you how many days I’ve woken up ready to spend just about all day in bed or ready to throw in the towel on my goals because they haven’t manifested yet. Discipline will keep you going on those days when you’re feeling defeated, overwhelmed, tired of the BS, or questioning if what you’re doing is even worth it. The other beautiful thing with discipline is that it’s fueled by you and you only. When you think about motivation, it’s often connected to something outside of yourself, like a person or thing. Maybe you’re motivated by your family or hearing other people tell their stories. But discipline? It starts and ends with you, so you won’t need to rely on anyone or anything to keep you going.
2. Abandon Fear And Judgment
I started a podcast recently, but before I launched it, so many people would tell me, “You should tell your story.” And deep down, I knew I had a purpose beyond my wildest imagination. Part of me knew people were right, but I shunned it out of fear of failure and fear of judgment more than anything. At some point, you’ve got to let go of fear and own your purpose. Your life is your narrative, and as long as you’re the one controlling it, what others think is none of your business. Do whatever you’re afraid to do and don’t look back.
3. Redefine Self-Care
Self-care is defined differently for everyone—there isn’t one definition. To me, it’s about self-preservation and asking myself what I can do to ease my mind, minimize my stress, and sustain my peace. Sometimes, the answer to those questions is scheduling that appointment I’ve been putting off or finally making time to write out my budget that I kept procrastinating on. It won’t always look the same way every time, but the outcome will always make me feel better.
4. Make “No” A Complete Sentence
Do you ever get invited to an event and the second you’re invited, you already know you don’t want to go? I’m an introvert, so I’ve been there too many times to count. Then you try to come up with a million reasons why you can’t go. “I think we’ll be out of town that weekend.” “Let me check my calendar and get back to you.” Stop stalling and just say no. And stop feeling obligated to give an explanation for every no—it’s a complete sentence and you can say it without adding extra context to justify it.
5. Make More Time For Yes
Along the lines of “no,” yes is also a complete sentence that a lot of people struggle to say. Personally, I’ll see an event pop up that I actually want to go but I’ll think of a million reasons why I can’t. “I have too much to do,” “I don’t have anyone to go with me,” the list goes on. Or, I’ll be invited to participate in a professional event and I’ll think of all the reasons I’m not qualified. In 2020, give yourself the space to say yes to new opportunities and experiences. You never know who you’ll meet or who’s watching you and waiting to give you the next opportunity. Yes is powerful.
How are you going to show up for YOU in 2020? 
