In awe of people who keep showing up

“Who you are is defined by the values you are willing to struggle for.” - Mark Manson

When I was 17, I met people of high calibre in my extracurricular activity, but one person truly stood out to me.

I was so curious and asked what she thought made the difference for her.

She paused and said, “I’ve never missed a single lesson.”

To my 17-year-old mind, that was hard to process.

“What do you mean? Never in your life? What if you’re sick?”

She confirmed. "I've never missed a single lesson." She would find a way to learn the material.

My takeaway from that was: “Just turn up.”

(Caveat: this isn't about showing up when contagious. It is about keeping your learning moving.)

On turning up consistently

People often say, “Don't do one year of experience, repeated ten times.” But Bruce Lee also offered a counterpoint: “I fear not the man who has practised 10,000 kicks once, but the man who has practised one kick 10,000 times.”

I think I was lucky to witness this early in my life, so I'm on Bruce Lee's side.

We are imperfect individuals, so even if the aim is to show up mindfully, there will be days we cannot bring our whole selves.

Nonetheless, I believe there is something to learn, even if you only show up.

When identity breaks down

I was reminded of this idea of showing up when I learned more about Amotti from Physical: Asia.

He broke his foot in a scooter accident when a car door opened on him and underwent a 10-hour surgery.

I watched his rehab journey: he rebuilt from that and kept training even with the injury.

What struck me was how he kept training, returning to the most repetitive sets even after his identity broke.

He once said he was “never a top CrossFitter,” even though he ranked among Korea’s top 10. He had also served as a Marine. Although he lost opportunities for appearances related to those after the accident, he did not give up.

He eventually went on to become a two-time champion of Netflix’s Physical series.

Showing up for what still matters

Not every professional identity or goal needs to be carried forever. Some fall away, and not always by choice...

But you might have values and practices that are still worth turning up for.

Values reveal themselves through the struggles we continue returning to.

Here’s to showing up for what matters to you.