Real Men Feel: Ep. 337, The Power of Truly Showing Up: Embracing Humanity with Marcy Axelrod

The Power of Truly Showing Up: Embracing Humanity Episode 337, January 17, 2025

How Are You Showing Up?

Summary:
In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant interviews Marcy Axelrod, a best-selling author and management consultant, to discuss her book ‘How We Choose to Show Up.’ They delve into the concept of ‘showing up’ in life, exploring the three roles humans play, the levels of showing up, and actionable steps to fully engage in life’s moments for personal and societal benefit.

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“Showing up is a choice of how to be in the moment that honors the individual, the situation, and the societal role that we all play.” ~Marcy Axelrod

Introducing Marcy Axelrod
Marcy Axelrod is not just a bestselling author; she is a pioneer in understanding the dynamics of how people engage with the world. Her latest book, “How We Choose to Show Up,” delves into the intricate ways humans are designed to thrive and interact. With over 20 years of research under her belt, Marcy offers insights that challenge our conventional understanding of presence.

What Does ‘Showing Up’ Mean?
The concept of ‘showing up’ extends beyond the simple act of appearing in a physical space. Marcy describes it as an existential choice that impacts how we live our lives. She distinguishes between being merely present and truly showing up, emphasizing the roles humans engage in: self, situational, and societal.

She states that most people, 80% to be precise, are merely going through the motions. But, when we choose to engage fully with our environment, the people around us, and our own beliefs, we can truly begin to live.

Levels of Showing Up
Marcy introduces a compelling model of showing up, which she claims isn’t of her own making but is rooted in nature’s design. This model describes showing up in levels, from ‘barely there’ to ‘truly showing up.’ Each level is characterized by how deeply we engage with our surroundings and roles.

Impact on Personal and Societal Levels
In the episode, Andy and Marcy explore how societal structures often contribute to a disconnect, preventing us from truly engaging with ourselves and others. Marcy also links the health of our planet and societies to how we show up personally. The conversation touches on how greater awareness and intentional engagement can foster better outcomes in various facets of life, including mental health, societal contributions, and personal relationships.

Taking Concrete Steps to Show Up in 2025
Marcy offers practical advice for those eager to make 2025 a pivotal year for being present. She outlines actionable steps across physical, emotional, and belief-based dimensions:

1. Pause Upon Waking: Encourage a moment of stillness as you wake up to set a mindful tone for the day.
2. Cultivate Belief Systems: Recognize your impact on the world and choose how to present yourself accordingly.
3. Embrace Care: Being emotionally available and attentive to others reinforces our societal roles and interconnectedness.

The Universal Nature of Showing Up
An interesting aspect Marcy emphasizes is the universality of showing up—it transcends gender, culture, and socio-economic status. She urges men, in particular, to break free from societal programming and embrace their humanity above all.

Conclusion
The dialogue concludes with a compelling call to action. Marcy’s insights challenge listeners to re-evaluate their daily interactions and beliefs. By understanding and applying the principles of truly showing up as outlined in her book, individuals can significantly enhance their quality of life and societal contributions.

For more profound insights and to explore Marcy Axelrod’s work, visit her website, choosetoshowup.com, and find her book on Amazon.

For those ready to take the personal growth journey in 2025, I invite you to book a free clarity call with me at TheAndyGrant.com/talk.

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Join the Conversation
We invite you to join the Real Men Feel community in exploring these discussions. Engage with us by sharing, commenting, and participating in our private Facebook group at realmenfeel.org/group. Connect with Andy directly at realmenfeel@gmail.com.

Connect with Marcy
Marcy Axelrod — http://www.choosetoshowup.com/
LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcy/
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/marcyaxelrod/

Resources
How We Choose to Show Up: Nature’s Playbook for Creating a Meaningful Life, Marcy Axelrod — https://amzn.to/4jjkIrq
Immoderate Greatness: Why Civilizations Fail, William Ophuls — https://amzn.to/3PIVbu5

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