Two types of Availability

Podcast Script – ”Two Types of Availability That Change Everything”

John:

Welcome back to The Leadership Coach Podcast, where we talk about real-life leadership, 

personal growth, and the everyday habits that help you win in business and in life.

Today, I want to talk about something simple, but powerful — availability. 

And no, I’m not just talking about whether your calendar is open or your phone is on. 

I’m talking about the two types of availability:

1. Being physically available – showing up in person, ready to do the work.

2. Being mentally available – showing up in mind, focus, and emotional presence.

Let’s break these down, because most people are stronger in one than the other — and that gap can hold you back.

Topic 1: Physical Availability – The Power of Showing Up

Physical availability is the part we see. You’re at work on time. You’re at your kid’s game. 

You’re sitting next to your spouse at the dinner table.

But here’s the thing — just because you’re there physically doesn’t mean you’re truly there. 

Still, the act of showing up matters. In business, if you’re not physically present, you miss opportunities. 

As a spouse or friend, if you’re never there, relationships weaken.

Physical availability says: “I value this enough to make space for it in my life.”

The everyday challenge here? Life pulls us in a million directions. But the truth is — the people who win in leadership, business, and relationships are the ones who keep showing up even when it’s inconvenient.

Topic 2: Mental Availability – The Missing Ingredient

Now here’s where many of us struggle — we show up, but our minds are somewhere else.

You’ve been there: sitting at your desk but scrolling your phone. Listening to your friend, but thinking about your to-do list.

Mental availability means giving something or someone your full mental focus. It’s not just about being there — it’s about being present.

For leaders, this is huge. A physically available boss can attend meetings, but a mentally available boss hears the concerns, spots the patterns, and makes smart decisions.

For relationships? If you’re physically there but mentally absent, the other person feels it. And for yourself? If you’re never mentally available to reflect, recharge, or dream, burnout is coming.

Topic 3: The Everyday Balance – Making Space for Both

Here’s the hard truth — being physically available without mental presence makes you a body in the room, not a real contributor. 

Being mentally available but never physically showing up makes you an idea that never becomes action.

The magic happens when both align.

The business owner who’s at the meeting and fully engaged in the discussion.

The spouse who comes home early and actually listens instead of zoning out.

The friend who drives across town and makes you feel heard.

The individual who schedules self-care time and actually enjoys it without guilt.

Being available physically and mentally says:

”I’m here. I’m ready. And I care enough to give you my best self.”

Call to Action

So here’s your challenge for this week:

Pick one relationship, one responsibility, and one personal area of your life.

Ask yourself: Am I showing up physically? Am I showing up mentally?

If one is missing — fix it. Schedule it. Protect it.

Because the truth is, the world doesn’t just need more people to show up — it needs more people to show up fully.

John::

If today’s episode hit home for you, share it with a friend who might need the reminder. And if you’re ready to grow as a leader — at work and in life — keep tuning in. Until next time, show up in body and in mind… because that’s where real impact happens.