Humility has been on my radar lately. As a writer and a podcaster its something I’ve been learning about and contemplating.
In media and the arts, its important to build renown. Its part of building an audience and seems like the only way to build a career as a creative professional. Fame, its not just hungering for acknowledgment and special-ness, its how to pay the bills. There’s tons of articles, books and YouTube videos on how to build your writer’s platform. There are courses too.
Its a combination not only in person networking, (not the sleazy kind), but playing the popular game on social media. Endeavoring to do self promotion in a humble, discrete and respectful way. Many would believe that self promotion and humble are opposite ends of the spectrum.
The climb to boost those subscriber numbers, whether via email newsletter or YouTube subscribers is an ever present challenge.
After reading quite a bit about building a platform, its very much like an effortless magic trick to outside observers. Yet, it entails very intentional and consistent actions and discipline for the professional on the hamster wheel of building a following.
The skill set that makes a good actor, writer or scientist is not the same as a public promotion professional. Yet, that’s what the book industry wants. It’s job is to sell books and the way to do that is sell to a ready market who want something from someone of renown.
For example, a few months ago I bought a book on creativity written by John Cleese. He delivered on his reputation. It was a fun an engaging book.
What makes us ignore regular people’s work and choose to buy from a celebrity? I’m asking the question honestly. Why did I pick John Cleese’s book? One, I know his credentials, he’s famous because he’s extremely talented and funny. He probably has something to say on creativity worth reading.
Am I subscribed to his newsletter or following his blog? No. Do I need to to be? Again, no. His name or brand is one powerful in name recognition. Enough to get me, a fan, to buy his book.
Everyone needs to make money, even famous people. They transcend the utilitarian factor in decision making process for purchases. We want to feel connected to this special person and so we buy concert tickets, books, etc. to feel special too.
In interview shows from TV, radio and podcast, we gravitate toward interviews with people of renown to hear what they have to say. Most of us will never meet a famous person. We always are attracted to stories of our friends and family who met someone of renown.
Publishers and media capitalize and leverage this to sell books or increase their ratings.
I’m not here to say that’s wrong or bad. But, does anyone else think about this?
There’s a lot of resources and advice on how to become famous so you can be successful and hopefully rich. But I don’t see very much on how to handle fame and notoriety with a humble spirit. Not just to be gracious. But not be consumed by arrogance, pride and self idolization.
With an industry that’s personified by the song, “Fame”, where is the spiritual words of wisdom to keep ourselves grounded whether we succeed beyond our wildest dreams or fail and remain in obscurity? Where’s the deep thoughtful souls on both extreme? What lessons have they learned? Will we listen to their tales of warning of the siren’s call of fame and power?
It’s not wrong to climb the hierarchy. Money and power aren’t wrong or evil either.
What kind of person are you now, with the gifts you have?
Can we handle the burden of fame from a security issue to the people pleasing dynamic that might become our master? Not all that glitters is gold. Not all that shines in the limelight is edifying. Who are we really? Who do we want to be?
Fame and money has been proven to not make people truly happy. Why is that?
What do we need? What do we truly want that make us think fame and money are the answers to hopes and dreams?
At the moment of writing this piece I am among the many who want fame and fortune for practical reasons.
Is it really the answer to my goals to be a writer and podcaster?
To become truly great one must serve people. But how do you not succumb to people pleasing?
If you think I have the answers, sorry I don’t. I’m raising deeper questions than how to chase the YouTube algorithm.
Humility means knowing and acknowledging that fame will consume you if you’re not filled with love, patience and wisdom to the messiness of people and life.
As a member in SCA, (a medieval education and re-enactors organization), I learned the concept of building renown. I really like the sound and classiness of the phrase. The game is to play your persona and build renown as a chivalrous person.
A microcosm of modern life but for fun. We all start as minor nobility and choose whatever path we wish, or a mix of disciplines. We all want to be known and know others. To be esteemed, to be welcomed. To be special.
How do we do become someone of renown? Be a person of character, be interesting, include some people, exclude others. Find who resonates with you. Serve others, but don’t become their slaves. Put their needs before your wants, yet put your needs before their wants.
Respect your and their boundaries. What is the highest good? Aim for that. Keep yourself grounded when your name flies high. Don’t use fame to judge your self worth.
I may not become someone of great renown. But perhaps this piece may help you not sacrifice the wrong things in pursuit of the brass ring.
The siren sings our names could be lights so bright. Our legacy, our fame, reach so high. But let’s take the straight and narrow path of life and meaningful accomplishment instead of the wide crowded road to empty praise and notoriety.
Let us be accepted AND rejected for the core of who we really are. Time will tell if this writer’s name becomes well known to you or remains in obscurity.
Building renown is a game and occupation of many. The winners are few. But the prize keeps us running the race.
My eyes are focused beyond that finish line. Who wants to see me win and why? Who are cheering me onward and believe in me when I doubt myself?
The encouragement of friends and family who know and accept the real me are greater than any glory the popular game may award me.
I write to figure out what I think. Thank you for joining me in this journey.
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