Fame is a terrible master.
There are some who will do anything to achieve fame—just watch any number of reality television shows. And there are others who will do everything they can to stay out of the spotlight entirely.
In its most simple definition, famous means to be widely known.
Of course, fame, just like wealth, is entirely relative. “Widely” can mean lots of different things:
After all, there is world-famous, internet-famous, and barely-famous. Hollywood has A-List, B-List, C-List, and even D-List.
There are people who are famous in your industry, famous in your town, or famous in your church. One time, I was even introduced to a man behind his grill as, “the man who is famous for his BBQ grilled chicken.” As best I could tell, he’s only cooked for his immediate family.
“Fame” clearly means something different to different people.
To be famous is to be known for something among a group of people.
Given that understanding, might I suggest we all aim for fame.
Not fame for wrong reasons, but fame for all the right reasons.
The reality is we are all going to be remembered for something—that cannot be avoided. So we might as well aim to be known, among those who know us best, for all the right reasons.
12 things we should all strive to become famous for:
1. Kindness. I have a good friend that I once introduced to a neighbor. Shortly after their first meeting, my neighbor said to me, “Bob may be the kindest man I have ever met in my entire life.” What an amazing compliment. Kindness… that is something I want to be known for.
2. Generosity. Many are drawn to riches, but few are drawn to generosity. But generosity makes our world a better place. It improves the life of the receiver and the giver. And yet, it is still too rare in our world today.
3. Perseverance. At some point, everybody gets knocked down by life. Staying upright through it all is not the final measure of a person. Getting back up and remaining persistent in the face of trial, that is perseverance. Now that is a trait worth being known for!
4. Faithfulness. To be known at the end of my life for being faithful to my wife, my kids, and my obligations is among my loftiest pursuits. I may be known for many things, but I’d trade them all to keep this reputation.
5. Empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. And being known for empathy lays the foundation for countless good deeds in the lives of others.
6. Intentionality. Our lives and resources are limited. To be intentional with our time, our money, and our responsibilities is an important pursuit. And those who discover it are highly regarded.
7. Cheerfulness. If you are known as the person who lights up a room and spreads genuine joy wherever you go, you have reached an important level of fame.
8. Selfless. There is more than one way to achieve many of the items on this list (kind, empathetic, generous)—some may even be achieved for selfish gain. But the only way to be known for selflessness, in the long run, is to be genuinely selfless.
9. Encouraging. An encourager, by default, cheers for the other person. They are not interested in winning at every cost. Quite the opposite in fact. They want to see everyone win and work toward that end. As a result, they are beloved by many.
10. Contentment. A contented life is enjoyable, desirable, and admirable. Those who don’t have it, desire it. And are impressed with those who do have achieved it.
11. Peacemaking. If we need anything in this world today, we need more peacemakers. Blessed are you if you become one.
12. Loving. As the old saying goes, “but the greatest of these is love.” Become famous for loving others and you’ll never regret it.
Fame, as defined by society, is fleeting. It is a terrible master.
But there is still the reality that when our lives are over, we will be remembered for something. So make it something worth being famous for.
About Joshua Becker
This very much resonated with me. I actually wrote it in my journal so I will never forget it.
As a child, i always wanted to be famous… now I know that i can be, but i need to do it for the RIGHT reasons.
Thanks you for your wise words to live by. =)
Probably one of your best articles (in my humble opinion) and I’ve read many of them.
Thank you.
Very much so into this article spoke to me. Just love some passage and found some great ideas. Thank you.
Excellent article!! Thank you.
Cheerfulness brings me joy
Knowing that wherever I go
there will always be
sharing, laughter, and
love among everyone
Hi Josh thank you for your post. As it said ” Loving. As the old saying goes, “but the greatest of these is love.” who would not want to be famous for loving much. As opposed to being non-conformist, and having tendency to change the world into ones own images, it is important to know that giving this person another chance to improve and become that loving person, is showing so much empathy, and flexibility that can only be very much appreciated and valued. Would it be enough to lead a contented life? For myself, there will always room for more growth. I am a middle school teacher for the gifted children of New Jersey. I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years.
This is a GREAT article! SO needed in this hour. It is very definitely WWJD!
Today I found myself searching…searching for something to share with my remote (and seemingly disjointed) office support staff in an effort to lift their spirits, give them a positive sense of purpose and hope.
I can now end my search and simply forward your timely and poignant message.
Thank you for making my day and for continually reminding me why my minimalist choices and the select two minimalists I’ve chosen to follow have brought J O Y into my life and household.
very nice, thanks Josh
This reminds me of living for your eulogy, rather than your obituary. While the latter tends to focus on one’s professional accomplishments, a eulogy is more about meaningful relationships and how a person impacts others during his/her life. These 12 tenets are a wonderful outline for how we can live more intentionally, while leading intrinsically fulfilling lives.
Love your list. Wanted to add Honesty. It seems to be in short supply these days. I want to be famous for all of those things, but not too famous. Fame can be difficult.
Oh that makes me sooo tired.
Such great read. The one that I work everyday is kindness.
Thank you, this is bookmark worthy!
I am new to your blog and l love this message. I have never wanted to be famous in the usual worldly way, but this take on famous I would love to be known.
Thank you Joshua:
Very good message and content. I live in Scottsdale, I hope to run into you sometime.
Best,
Bryan
All of those are right out of the Bible. The love of Christ develops these as the hallmark of someone who has truly committed their life to Him. Not just an old saying, but truth for eternity.
My father passed 16 years ago at the age of 80 from complications due to Parkinson’s disease. I clearly remember him telling me near the end of his life that people will not remember you for your beautiful car or house, or how far you travelled but they will remember you for how you made them feel. I hold that in my heart. I would also add honesty to your list, although I suppose it is already there in other forms.
True.
Thank you Joshua. You are always right on target. Blessings!
Beautiful, timely, thought-provoking and highly self-reflective. Great morning read and a call to action, really
I’m currently working on implementing these. Quiet challenging but I’m loving it.
Very positive virtues and behaviors. I’d like to be thought of as good, fair person with those attributes. I’d like to be such a person but I’m not looking for fame.
Yes to this! So very true and all of these are underappreciated attributes in our society. The world would be a better and kinder place if we placed greater value on all of these.
What a beautiful article. Thank you.
A beautiful reminder of all that is important in life. Thank you.
I strive for these every day! The world needs more people striving for each one. Excellent article.
What a truly wonderful article! Thought provoking. And perfect for these challenging times.