The Art of Showing Up: Why Your Future Self is Counting on You

 

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There is something fascinating in the ordinary act of showing up. Nobody applauds it right away, and it does not feel exciting like a big moment. It is like the quiet hum of a motor running in the background, the daily grind that nobody celebrates. But then the thing is, if you are not on the pitch, you can’t catch the ball. It is a simple equation, yet we so often overcomplicate it.

I have a peculiar fondness for how the mind works. How we convince ourselves to do the hard thing, or more often, talk ourselves out of it. The mind is a masterful architect of excuses, a maze consisting of "what ifs" and "maybes." But success, or rather, the capacity for success, appears to be built on a stubborn refusal to listen to that internal critic. It seems to be built on consistency.

Think of it like a muscle. You don't get strong by lifting the heaviest weight once; you get strong by showing up to the gym day after day, even when you don't feel like it. This is the assassination of boredom, a daily battle against the inactivity that tries to keep us stagnant. It is a series of small, unglamorous victories.

And this is where the real reason for showing up lies. It is not just about the current project or the immediate task. It is about preparation. You are preparing a version of yourself that is ready to seize the moment.

Opportunities don't usually announce themselves with a fanfare. They are subtle, slipping through the door almost unnoticed. They are the unexpected phone call, the casual conversation, the sudden opening. If you have been consistently showing up, your skills are sharp, your mind is agile, and your confidence is real. The moment arrives, and because you are present, mentally and physically, you have the reflexes to grab it.

If you are not in the game, you can't win the game. If you're not at the desk, you can't write the best piece of your life. If you're not networking, you can't meet the collaborator who changes everything. The cosmos, or fate, or luck, whatever you wish to call it, tends to favour those who are already in motion.

So, show up for yourself. Show up when it is boring. Show up when it is hard. Show up because your future self is waiting in the wings, ready to take that opportunity, and they are counting on you to have done the hard work. Keep the motor running. The opportunity will come, and when it does, you'll be ready.

Why Nigerians Must Hold Their Leaders Accountable

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One of the biggest mistakes citizens can make in any country is to believe that leadership is only the responsibility of politicians. The truth is that leadership and citizenship go together. When citizens stop asking questions, stop paying attention, and stop demanding accountability, leaders can easily become careless, disconnected, or even irresponsible.

In Nigeria, many people focus only on the President or the Federal Government whenever there is a problem. While the federal government plays a major role in national development, governance also happens at the state and local government levels. The condition of roads in your community, public primary schools, local healthcare centers, waste disposal, markets, and even community security often involve local and state authorities. Unfortunately, many citizens do not pay enough attention to these levels of government.

Holding leaders accountable simply means asking questions and expecting results. Citizens should know what leaders promised before elections and compare those promises with actual performance. We should ask: Are public funds being used properly? Are projects being completed? Are schools improving? Are hospitals functioning? Are roads being repaired? These are not acts of disrespect. They are part of responsible citizenship.

Accountability also helps good leaders perform better. When leaders know that citizens are watching, asking questions, and paying attention, they are more likely to act responsibly. Democracy works best when citizens remain active even after elections are over. Voting every four years is not enough. Good governance requires continuous public participation.

Another important reason accountability matters is because corruption and poor governance affect ordinary people the most. When funds meant for healthcare, education, electricity, or infrastructure are wasted, it is citizens who suffer. Young people lose opportunities. Businesses struggle. Communities remain underdeveloped. Silence allows these problems to continue.

However, accountability should not happen through insults, threats or anger on social media. Citizens must learn to engage constructively. We should support good policies, criticize bad ones respectfully, participate in community discussions, and stay informed. We must also hold ourselves accountable in our own daily conduct because national development is built on both responsible leadership and responsible citizenship.

Nigeria cannot become the country we desire if citizens remain passive observers. Real change happens when people consistently demand better governance at every level, whether local, state, or federal. Leaders may shape a nation, but citizens help shape the quality of leadership they receive.