Woody Allen said 80 percent of success is showing up.

There is a lot wrong with this statement, but I'm going to focus on what's right because I think he makes a good point.

Well, actually, first I'll talk about what's wrong.

This statement isn't true because no, you can't just sit there twiddling your thumbs. You know what I mean. You can't just go to class. You have to actually pay attention, ask questions, engage with the material, do the homework, understand what's going on, study smart, meet with the teacher, and do well on the exams— or at least some mixture of these things.

You actually have to contribute to group projects. It isn't just about offering moral support.

You can't just go to your job each day and sit at your desk. You must actually do something productive.

So yes, this assertion is flawed.

That being said, I really, really like what he means by it.

I began to get really involved in a student organization at the end of my freshman year. I began spending more time with the people I was working with and I got to know them pretty well.

One of my superiors — an older student who was 1,000 times more knowledgeable and experienced in the subject than I was — surprisingly, informed me that she had actually not been a part of the organization for that long. It's funny, though, because since I had only ever seen her in that setting and she was always the leader, I would have never known. She had me fooled.

She told me about how she really wanted to be a part of the organization, but that she joined a little later in the game, and had to work her way up — something she had clearly done.

Alas, she revealed her secret. And it was simply that. She showed up — waaaay up. And all the time.

She attended every meeting, every event, and took on as much work as she possibly good. She communicated with her higher-ups, and as a result, gained their respect. It wasn't long at all before she became one of them.

As a relatively quiet person and someone who doesn't always voice their perspective in group projects and meetings, I was rather amused.

Flash forward a year. I've gained traction in said student org and I'm in a meeting evaluating newer members.

It's amazing how prevalent the concept is: showing up.

Leaders of the organization remember and recognize members who come to events.

It's important to note that these individuals are by no means the most experienced or talented. But unlike some who are incredibly so, they make their faces known. Sometimes, they don't talk at all. But they're always, always there — proving how much they care. It shows respect and dedication.

Alternatively, consider a situation where you're taking a class and you know absolutely everything about the subject matter. You could re-write the textbook if you had to — well, maybe not — and you understand everything the teacher describes.

In reality, you could potentially fail this class if you don't know how you're going to be tested or the way in which the teacher explains a concept. The teacher may ask you to present knowledge of their specific approach to the concept, which you wouldn't know unless you actually went to class. You have to be there. You have to engage. It doesn't always matter how "smart" you are.

I suppose I too have found this theory to be true. It's important to go — to "make an appearance," even though I don't really like this expression, because it makes it sound like you're doing something as a courtesy. But nevertheless, it holds true in many respects.

At the very least, make yourself known — especially if you truly care about something. It doesn't matter if you've never gone before, or if you have to sit alone.

Do it for yourself, so that you can say you were there for the ride — so that you can be a part of things. And as you continue to show up, begin to contribute, especially if you weren't initially.

Leaders recognize that it may take time to become comfortable, but by all means, be a part of the action.

Something important may come of it.