For Week 3 of the Winter Sunflower Challenge, we’re using another line from my 8 Prompts for What’s Ahead course:
“If I keep showing up, life will reward me.”
And again, we add the word that turns it into a commitment:
“If I keep showing up, life will reward me — because…”
Psychologist Dr Angela Duckworth describes grit as passion and perseverance for long-term goals. Her research shows that sticking with something and putting in consistent effort over time often predicts success better than talent alone.
This prompt is about making that perseverance tiny, visible, and doable.
This week’s move (60–120 seconds)
1️⃣ Choose one area where you’re tempted to dabble or give up (study, work, health, your business).
2️⃣ Write:
“If I keep showing up, life will reward me — because every time I… [tiny action], I am… [what it builds].”
For example:
- “…because every time I study for 10 minutes, I’m building my confidence as a learner.”
- “…because every time I speak up once in a meeting, I’m building my visibility and voice.”
- “…because every time I go for a short walk, I’m investing in my future health.”
3️⃣ Underneath, add today’s concrete step:
“Today I will show up by… [5–15 minute action].”
4️⃣ Put it where you’ll see it and tick it off once you’ve done it.
Why it works (science, no fluff)
- You’re defining showing up as something small and repeatable, which makes perseverance realistic.
- You’re giving your Default Mode Network (DMN) a clearer story: “I am someone who keeps showing up,” not “I’m someone who quits.”
- You’re nudging your Reticular Activating System (RAS) to notice cues and opportunities related to that domain (study, work, health), so it becomes easier to act next time.
Over time, those tiny “I showed up” reps compound — exactly what Grit research points to.
Make it yours (keep it tiny)
- Studying again?
“If I keep showing up, life will reward me — because every time I open my notes for 10 minutes, I’m making future assignments less scary.”
- At work?
“…because every time I add one example of my impact to my notes, I’m building the evidence for my next review or promotion.”
- Building a business?
“…because every time I contact one person or share one post, I’m growing relationships and visibility.”
Reflect (evening)
Write one line:
“Today I showed up by…”
If you didn’t show up the way you planned, be curious rather than critical. What got in the way? What would make tomorrow’s version 10% easier?
Try it this week and, if you’d like to encourage others, share one “Today I showed up by…” example in the comments.
Question
What’s one area where Future You would quietly thank you for showing up this week?
#WinterSunflowerChallenge #YourMoveYourGameYourFuture #UnlockYourPotential #BrainIsAlwaysListening #AcademicAndLifeCoach #PersonalGrowthJourney #LifeCoachingTips #CoachingJourney #ResilientMindset #IntentionalLiving #TransformationStartsHere
Week Four 🌻“I can’t do that.” We say it fast. What if that phrase is the block—not the truth?
