Accomplishments, Validation, and Fame

The only time we should talk about our accomplishments is when we’re in a job interview. Friends, spouses, dates, and acquaintances can all be spared the self-glorifying personal résumé. Some may be fooled into believing that bragging shows some kind of confidence or strength; however, often the opposite is true for those who brag. Insecurity is the root feeling that creates desire for constant assurance and the aura of looking good.

Someone of character is a person of motion. A person focused on what they are doing, and making the world a better place doesn’t sit around and talk. Why talk about it when you’re busy doing it? There’s simply no need to build oneself up because it only brings the hopeful admiration of others - and that praise is very limited in what it offers. While it may feel good to get a pat on the back sometimes, it’s temporary and not what defines us as valuable people.

Fame can be very persuasive and desirable to many. It offers a feeling of being validated on a larger scale. However, being liked by a lot of people doesn’t automatically make someone right, correct, or even good. It just means that person offers something that is getting substantial attention, whether it’s creating a positive or negative impact.

Jim Carrey was quoted saying, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”

What exactly does that mean? In a world that glorifies the rich and famous, there’s simply more to it than just being rich and doing a lot.

We may make the mistake of seeking external validation if something internal is bent out of shape. It doesn’t matter how many people see what we do as long as we are doing the right thing. We won’t need the opinions of others if we’ve won our own respect. Fame and public validation loses its appeal when we discover that they don’t add any value to our character.

Most people are looking for acceptance in others. That’s what makes people stuck being average: fear of the opinion of others. It’s something everyone struggles with on some level or another. In a world with social responsibilities, it’s not always so easy to play the cards perfectly. However, we can do a lot for our peace of mind by simply living in integrity, apologizing when necessary, and doing the best we know how to do.

For further related reading, please check out: Standing Out Among Talent.