What I’m supposed to do.

“People want to get acknowledged for hard work, people want to get acknowledged for showing up. Showing up is none of the battle. Hard work is just an entry ticket.” Tim Grover on the Chasing Excellence Podcast.

On a recent podcast, Tim (who worked extensively with Michael Jordan), re-tells the story of how Michael used to have a second stat sheet at the end of each game, not just the one that talked about how many points he scored or how many rebounds he got, he had one that showed how many mistakes he made. When Tim asked him why, he replied “I’m supposed to score points, I’m supposed to get rebounds, I’m not supposed to turn the ball over and make mistakes.” He didn’t need a pat on the back for doing the work that he’s supposed to do.

That’s not normal for most people, but the world would be a better place if it was.

I started thinking of all the scenarios in my life that I have done or seen these things.

When’s the last time that I wanted to be rewarded at work for just showing up or for just doing the work that I was supposed to do?

When’s the last time that I wanted to be acknowledged as a leader after only doing the necessary work?

When’s the last time that I expected more as a parent or partner for just doing the day to day bare minimum?

When’s the last time that I payed attention while driving my car more than the usual autopilot concentration?

Most of us want to be rewarded for showing up. Most of us want to be rewarded for the bare minimum. Most of us want to be rewarded for doing the stuff that we are supposed to do.

The real game is an obsession to the cause. A purposeful dedication to what we want to be great at. That’s what it takes; in careers, relationships, families, teams, and life.

I can’t just “show up” and expect anything more than mediocrity.

It can’t even be about the hard work because at a certain level, everyone is working hard.

It has to be more than that.

Inspired Lion