“Allow yourself to be a beginner. No one starts off being excellent.”
I spent 15 years working at nonprofit organizations. I have worked at large organizations (50+ on staff) and small ones (5 on staff). I have volunteered at countless others and I continue to do so today. I have seen nonprofits function in all types of environments with all types of goals.
And I have seen one common trait unite them all: a constant need for volunteers.
In fact, I have never worked at a charitable organization that wasn’t desperately in need of volunteers. There is so much good that needs to be accomplished in our world, but the resources (financial and human) are almost always lacking. At one company, we used to have a saying that went like this, “If you’re available, we have a need. No experience required.”
Sometimes, the only requirement is availability. And sometimes, the most important step is to just show up.
Six years ago, I began writing about minimalism on a blog called Becoming Minimalist. It was free through WordPress and took only minutes to set-up (I have since upgraded to Bluehost).
At the time, I had no experience in minimalism, I had no experience blogging, and only a little experience writing. I only knew I wanted to own less and write about the journey.
What I lacked in experience and reputation and talent, I made up for by simply deciding to show up and get started—which reminds me of my experience at nonprofits: If you are available, we have a need.
I know there is a good you want to accomplish in this world (those who live for only personal gain have long since given up on this blog). There is a positive influence you desire to create, grow, or harness. That being the case, never underestimate the importance of just showing up.
- Are you trying to declutter your home? Remove one large bag of stuff.
- Are you working to build an organization that will accomplish good? Take the next step.
- Are you hoping to have a positive impact in your community? Start by being present in it.
- Do you dream of making a difference through your church, charity, or club? Offer to volunteer.
- Do you desire to align your career with your passion? Start slowly.
- Do you want to change the world? Become the change you desire to see.
Just become available. The experience will come. The talent will grow. And the opportunities will increase.
But first, you need to show up.
Editor’s Note: I am a Bluehost affiliate which means the company offers me a commission every time someone signs up via one of my links. This does not influence my recommendation. I have used Bluehost from the very beginning for this blog and continue to do so today.
Randa White says
I’m retired and at 67 years old, I started taking piano lessons for the first time. I’m enjoying so much. There is always a first time to try something new.
Margo says
I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while now. It’s always thought provoking, and yet I never reply. This post really spoke to me on many levels, and so I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for this post and all of the others. They do make a difference to me.
Andrea says
You are simply inspiring. I just found your blog recently and find myself searching for your pearls of wisdom whenever I can. Thank you for showing up and figuring it out.
Marianne says
I get the feeling from some folks who are following a minimalist lifestyle and are trying to take the busy out of their lives as part of that lifestyle, that volunteer work is part of that busy. I certainly hope everyone can make a little time to help others. I truly believe that this should be part of any lifestyle. Thanks for a great article.
Laura says
Nifty– I enjoyed this encouraging post. I was just encouraging someone to take the first steps in heading back to school, but they seem fearful to even look at the options. I’m glad my hubby and I took that first step and are both on the path to more fulfilling jobs :)
Just show up :) How novel.
Shayla says
Thank you for this timely post! I don’t believe in accidents. I believe everything happens for a purpose in the spiritual realm even things we don’t understand. That said, I’m a teacher and this year has been a difficult year. There are many days I just want to call in sick and stay in bed, yet I show up everyday because a good friend and co-worker told me once the hardest part is showing up. It’s not easy, but I went into this profession to be the teacher I desire for my own children, which means just showing up even when I don’t “feel” like it. Some days I just have to work my way into a feeling…
joanna says
This is a message I will share with my students as we embark on a new school year. Thanks for the inspiration.
Becky says
Thanks so much for this. Just the words I needed to hear today :)
Steve Nazarian says
Joshua,
I posted a blog piece this morning all about showing up. It is about a personal experience, but it is certainly in line with what you write about here. We have given ourselves too many resources to explain away our absence and not enough to assure our presence. Well done and thank you for showing up. Here is my piece: http://wp.me/p4FLcS-dJ
Marjorie Cooper says
Present and showing up!! Thank-you for your inspiring words!