8.12 Jerry West: Show Up

"You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good." - Jerry West

How do you show up and put in the work on the days you don’t feel like it?

You want to know what I think is the hardest part about being great? You don’t always feel like being great. How often do you not feel like doing the things you know you need to, the way or the speed that you know you need to?

The best of the best show up and do their job every day, no matter what and no matter how they feel.

Jerry West was one of the best basketball players of all time. In fact, he is called “The Logo” because the NBA logo was created in his image. He once said, “You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good.”

This quote is a reminder that real progress—whether in sports, work, or personal growth—comes not from bursts of inspiration, but from showing up even when it’s hard or you don’t feel like it.

There are countless days when my motivation is low, when I’m tired, and when I feel discouraged or distracted, but if I allow those feelings to dictate my actions, my progress will be inconsistent.

The best of the best understand that success is built on a foundation of showing up and effort—especially  on the difficult days. Working when it’s easy doesn’t separate the great from the average—it’s the commitment to keep going when it’s uncomfortable that builds strength and character.

Question of the Day: How do you motivate yourself to show up on the days when you don’t feel good or don’t feel like it?