295 : Are you showing up, or performing?
One version of 'showing up' is performance: a packed calendar and late-night messages that signal status without building value.
Genuine presence is a quieter skill. It belongs to the person whose contributions sharpen the conversation and ensure work gets done.
From the inside, performing presence feels productive because it’s exhausting. Real presence often feels less impressive; it involves deep thought, selective participation and the confidence to stay silent when you have nothing to add.
To distinguish between the two, ask: if you stepped away for two weeks, what would actually break?
The delta between what people miss seeing you do and what stops working is the gap between performance and presence.
The most valuable professionals focus on outcomes over activities. I’ve outlined their approach and three tests to evaluate your own impact.
Read : The Difference Between Presence and Performance
Stuff I'm Reading
- How leaders demotivate top talent. Are you making this key mistake in your leadership?
- Curiosity = Knowledge. Some wisdom from Naval Ravikant
- Navigating change calmly. Zen Habits explains how to manage life transitions with grace.
- Writing down your goals makes you 42% more successful. A useful reminder that success starts at the first step of defining your goals. My guide on building great goals is here.
- Working from home? Here's research on how to avoid making common mistakes.
- CEOs who think AI replaces employees, are bad CEOs. A great explanation of AI psychosis in action.
Finally. Bored Spreadsheet. Microgames disguised as spreadsheets to make it look like you aren't taking a break!
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