No matter how much anyone says it DOESN’T matter, recognition DOES matter.
But perhaps we’re singling out the wrong kind of recognition. The kind that doesn’t last. Or isn’t meaningful.
I’ve been giving a lot of thought lately to the concept of fame.
Heck, we all have egos we need to feed (yes, even YOU). And mine is notorious 😉 And I say that in the most loving way possible….
But no matter what you achieve on a given day, eventually that day ends. And you get up the next day and start all over again.
And I think that’s the most difficult part. Basking in the feel-good endorphins, riding that wave, then waking up to the harsh light of reality and realizing that you have to get up and recreate the success. Or create another success (in whatever way you measure success).
Coming back down to earth and being “human” again.
I’ve gotten lots of insurance industry publicity over the past few years- interviews, magazine articles, podcasts, blog posts, you name it.
But the next day after each new piece of press was released, you know what I did? I swung my feet over the side of my bed, got up and went about my day.
You can’t ride the feel-good wave forever. Memories are short. Attention spans are non-existent.
It’s The Classic Celebrity Story Really
A nobody from the sticks hits it big and becomes famous. The accolades, love, “fandemonium” hits an all time high. Eventually the love affair calms down.
And the “star” doesn’t know how to react. Perhaps they spiral out of control- drugs, drinking, violence- just open a copy of People magazine really. That’s what makes big news in that publication.
Or they spiral into anonymity. And right there is the most paralyzing thought of all- that we’ll eventually just be a name someone can’t quite remember. Or even worse- that we’ll be forgotten entirely.
Big Confession Time Folks- THAT is my most paralyzing fear.
Oh yeah- I’m talking cold sweat time. But you know what? I’ve finally figured out that’s just ego talking.
100% Vanity.
So, I acknowledge it, let it wash over me and have an inner monologue with myself. It’s OK for me to feel like that. It’s OK for you to feel like that. Honestly.
It’s what we do with that fear that determines how far we go. In fact, after much thought, I think this fear is actually a good thing. It’s the spark that keeps me pushing forward, creating meaningful conversations, connecting with those that matter and writing content that helps others.
Fame is Fleeting. If You Want to Be Remembered, Try This
Fame is fleeting for sure, but it’s who you are and how you act day in and day out that determines how you’re remembered. If you consistently help others, bring value, do meaningful work and let that meaning show to others, you’ll be remembered. And in the way you want to be. The applause will NEVER fade. Because those actions make you who you are. And nothing can ever change that.
Here’s another way to think about it- what do you want people to say about you when you die? Because how you treat people and make them feel will determine how you’ll be remembered.
I’m a simple person by nature and here’s the principles/philosophies I live by every day:
- Be kind.
- Be courteous.
- Help Your Community
- Make Your Customers Lives Easier
- Call people by name
- Listen more than you talk
- Smile Often
- Laugh More
- Make Others Laugh
- Make Others Smile
That’s it. But maybe that’s enough.