In 1977 Woody Allen said, "showing up is 80% of life" and you've likely heard some variation of this often misquoted idiom.
When evoked, this mantra is meant to get you off your ass. It encourages you to be a joiner. To be an extrovert.
But wait a minute...that doesn't really sound like something Woody Allen, one of the most socially anxious directors in the history of Hollywood, would say. Does it? And how are we supposed to feel about the missing 20%?
Well, it turns out that there is a little more to this quote and maybe some answers. Here it is:
Showing up is 80 percent of life. Sometimes it’s easier to hide home in bed. I’ve done both.
Now THAT sounds like Woody Allen, and it completely re-frames the meaning for me. This quote suddenly displays a nuanced vision of life that acknowledges the conflict between the Ego (anxiety) and the Super Ego (aspiration).
No longer painting life as a zero-sum game (do or do not), it expresses patience with the self that longs for a quiet and solitary state. It says that one can transition between states of activity and calm, but still fulfill life goals. And honestly, there aren't many people on this planet better suited to speak to this than Mr. Allen.
And for me? Well, it helps explain the remaining 20%.
Life isn't always about doing. Sometimes it's about being.