What Does This Wig (That Looks Like a Dead Animal) Have to Do with Showing Up?

Showing Up

Camera Cred: Marijean

Yesterday, I found myself at a table with a group of women, staring at this wig—one that looked suspiciously like a dead animal. The goal? To throw it on, step into character, and fully commit to the improv exercise in front of us.

And while everyone else at other tables dove right in… uncool Pam did not wear the wig.

Why? Because the last time I played dress-up as a kid, I came home with lice. And let’s just say, that memory has stuck with me. 😂

But here’s the thing—I was still there. Still part of the moment.

Confidence Is Made by Doing

Yesterday, in my role as the director of Women in Motion, we had the privilege of hosting our annual Women’s Summit. It’s one of my favorite events because while I help bring meaningful programming to women, I also get to learn alongside them. One of my biggest takeaways from the event was a simple but powerful quote:

“Confidence is made by doing.”

It made me think about how often we hesitate—not because we can’t do something, but because we overthink it. We let past experiences, fears, or self-doubt hold us back.

I mean, was I really going to get lice from a theater prop? Not sure. But my brain told me no.

How many times have we told ourselves no before we even try?

We admire people who seem confident, but we don’t always see the work behind it. Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build by stepping into spaces that stretch you. By trying, failing, learning, and trying again.

Stop Consuming—Start Doing

We live in a world of overconsumption. We scroll. We read. We take in all the expert advice on how to be healthier, smarter, more successful. But if we never take action, we’re just spectators—watching everyone else play the game.

I’m not the best writer, but I write.

I wasn’t the best artist, but I painted every day until I got better.

I once won an oratorical contest in high school—sure, I may have a natural gift for speaking—but the reason I show up confidently on stage today is because I take every opportunity to do it. When I first started speaking with Women in Motion, I wasn’t perfect, I was actually so fast, I heard often - SLOW DOWN.

I kept showing up, kept refining. Yesterday, someone told me I had great energy and that she could hear every word I said. That compliment didn’t come from talent—it came from doing and I was so thankful to hear those words.

And listen, there are still things I avoid (like dancing—another story for another day 😂). But if I really wanted to be a dancer, I know exactly what I’d have to do: I’d dance.

The same goes for you. If you’re only consuming but never doing, you’re not actually growing.

Show Up. Do the Thing.

So, here’s your sign: Stop waiting until you feel ready. Stop consuming and start doing.

Want to be stronger? Start small. Do one thing. Do it even when you don’t feel like it.

Want to be a better writer? Write—even if it’s messy. Even if no one reads it.

Want to be more confident in networking? Go to an event. Walk in alone. Start one conversation.

The people you admire didn’t just arrive at where they are. They showed up. They took action. They did.

And maybe, just maybe, they put on a terrible wig (or just held it -that's still a step) and made a fool of themselves along the way.