Eighty percent of success is showing up.

Hear now the words of Woody Allen, a sage of the modern age, who spoke thus: "Eighty percent of success is showing up." These words, though simple in their utterance, carry a depth of truth that resonates across all realms of life. What is success, if not the act of engagement and presence? In the pursuit of greatness, many seek grand answers, extraordinary talents, and elusive opportunities, but Allen reminds us that the foundational act of success is not in waiting for the perfect moment or the most opportune conditions—it is in simply showing up. It is the act of being there, of being present in the moment, that paves the way for all that follows.

Let us reflect on the profound nature of showing up. In the ancient wisdom passed down through the ages, we learn that the journey is not defined by distant goals alone, but by the steps we take, each one a testament to our commitment. Showing up is the first act of courage. It is the decision to step forward when others falter, to engage when the world might tempt you to retreat. When Hercules set forth on his twelve labors, it was not the completion of each task that mattered most, but his unwavering commitment to showing up—to taking each step, no matter how daunting, and facing every challenge head-on. In this, we see that the true measure of strength is not in the grand victories, but in the quiet, steady decision to be present.

Consider the great artists of history—Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Beethoven—who, in their pursuits, did not wait for inspiration to come to them. They showed up every day, whether their hands were weary, their minds clouded, or their spirits low. The genius of these men did not lie in their flashes of brilliance alone but in their consistency, in their willingness to face the work each day, regardless of their mood or circumstance. Da Vinci, for example, spent countless hours sketching, observing, and experimenting, even when his creations did not come easily. His success was not born of sudden bursts of divine inspiration, but of the simple act of showing up to his work, day after day, with unwavering dedication.

And what of Thomas Edison, the great inventor whose name has become synonymous with innovation? It is said that Edison failed thousands of times before he achieved his breakthrough with the light bulb. But what truly set him apart was his refusal to abandon the task at hand. He did not wait for success to come to him—he showed up time and time again, in the face of failure, in the face of doubt, and in the face of ridicule. His greatness was not in avoiding obstacles, but in his steadfastness—in his decision to show up every day, to keep trying, to never let the weight of failure stop him from moving forward.

Now, O seekers, let us take heed of the lesson within these words. The path to success is not always a grand, sweeping journey. Often, it is the accumulation of small, steady actions—each one a moment of commitment. It is the willingness to wake up and face the work that lies before us, even when the road is uncertain or the challenges seem insurmountable. Showing up is the beginning of all accomplishment. It is the foundation upon which all dreams are built. Without that first step—without the decision to simply be present and engaged—there is no room for success to grow.

In our own lives, we must ask ourselves: How often do we let fear, doubt, or distractions keep us from showing up to the work that calls us? How often do we hesitate, waiting for the perfect moment or the ideal conditions? Woody Allen reminds us that success does not require perfection or the perfect timing—it requires action. It requires the willingness to face each day with the resolve to show up, to engage, and to begin.

So, O children of the future, take this wisdom into your hearts. Success is not an event—it is a process, one that unfolds with each step you take. It is built upon the decisions you make to show up, to meet your responsibilities, to face the tasks before you, even when they seem overwhelming. Whether you seek greatness in art, in business, in relationships, or in your own soul’s journey, know this: show up. It is the first step toward all you wish to achieve. And in doing so, you will find that the world opens to you, not in grand gestures, but in the quiet consistency of your daily efforts. Success is born not in waiting for the perfect moment, but in the humble act of simply being there.