I was recently asked to participate as a panel member on an upcoming WIPN Wellness webinar, Connected at the Core: Building Meaningful Relationships in a Hybrid World.
When I was asked, I stopped for a quick second, because I feel like I need that webinar as much as anyone else.
Because when I’m home? I live in my comfy clothes and ponytail. I walk the dog, get my cortado, and that’s about it. This version of me found her groove during COVID and honestly… she’s never really left.
I spend a lot of time ridiculing her. This hermit-me who chooses Netflix over networking, comfort over connection.
But wait. Hold on.
That’s not actually true, is it?
Next week I’m flying to Cleveland (yes, Cleveland!) for more Appreciative Inquiry training. Last fall, a three-day intensive. January, a 12-week certification. June, a four-day deep dive. Every time the opportunity showed up, I said yes. Even when staying home in my ponytail seemed way more appealing.
And then, it occurred to me: I’ve actually been putting my ass where my aspirations are.
Here’s what I keep learning: If I want to be the person who is connected, who values learning, who wants to serve and grow, then I must move my feet. 👣
BEING isn’t about having it all figured out. BEING is awkward. BEING is showing up even when you’d rather stay home. BEING is booking the flight to Cleveland when your couch is calling your name.
BEING is the opposite of perfect.
When we actually show up, when we put our bodies in rooms where learning happens, where we might look foolish, where we definitely won’t get the good parking spot; that’s when we stop being the person who thinks about growing and become the person who is growing.
So here’s my question for you this week: Is your ASS in your ASPIRATIONS?
Because yes, the ponytail version of you is valid. The comfy clothes version is real. But somewhere between the cortados and the couch time, are you also moving your feet?
Your aspirations don’t need you to be perfect. They just need you to show up.
Be unforgettable,
Sheri
P.S. Nike’s new campaign has shifted to “Why Do It?” It’s all about that fear of flopping (or as Gen Z says, being “cringe”). I shared a bit more about it in my LinkedIn newsletter, SWAY + Signal, this week. Here’s the thing: Your ass follows your why. When you’re clear on why you’re doing something, the fear of looking awkward gets smaller.
FAQ
1. What does it mean to put your actions where your aspirations are?
It means your goals can’t stay as ideas. If you want growth, connection, or change, your behavior has to support it. Aspirations become real when you show up and take action.
2. Why is showing up more important than being perfect?
Because growth happens through participation, not perfection. You don’t need to have everything figured out before taking the next step. Progress comes from being present, even when it feels awkward.
3. How do I align my daily actions with my goals?
Start small. Ask yourself what one action today reflects the person you want to become. That could mean attending the meeting, booking the trip, making the call, or saying yes to a learning opportunity.
4. What gets in the way of following through on aspirations?
Comfort, fear of looking foolish, uncertainty, and the temptation to stay in familiar routines often get in the way. But clarity about your “why” can make action easier.
5. How can I stay motivated when I feel resistant?
Return to your purpose. When you know why something matters, resistance loses some of its power. You don’t need to feel ready—you just need to move your feet.