On September 4th, the New York Times published an important opinion piece titled, “You’ll Never Be Famous — And That’s O.K.”
It’s important.
The article, written by Emily Esfahani Smith, author of The Power of Meaning should probably be required reading for everyone. So, before anything else, go read it:
You’ll Never Be Famous — And That’s O.K. | The New York Times
Assuming some of you might not actually make it over to the original article, it summarizes itself in the closing sentence:
You don’t have to change the world or find your one true purpose to lead a meaningful life. A good life is a life of goodness — and that’s something anyone can aspire to, no matter their dreams or circumstances.
Emily cites much scientific research in her article that points to the fact that meaning is found not in success and fame and glamour, but in the mundane and ordinary. True meaning and purpose in life can be found in simple actions just as contributing to family, cheering up a friend, and/or seeing our occupation as an opportunity to serve others.
“The most meaningful lives,” Emily writes, “are often not the extraordinary ones. They’re the ordinary ones lived with dignity.”
Her distinction is important and worthy to be amplified.
There are many reasons her article is important, but let me list two:
1. Don’t miss (or overlook) your opportunity to lead a dignified, fulfilled life right where you are.
In this world of social media, viral videos, and 24-hour programming, extraordinary lives are beginning to appear normal–as if everybody is receiving public notoriety for their good deeds. Rescuers are interviewed live on CNN, celebrities are praised for donating millions to charity, and publications rank their top achievers under the age of 30.
Celebrities receive praise and adoration from every angle and for every decision they make. And while some of us may not crave the fame or notoriety, too often their lives become the standard by which we measure ours.
But you are not called to live their life; you are called to live yours.
You are called to love the people in your home, in your neighborhood, in your community group, and in your circle of influence. You can use the gifts and the talents you have been given to serve others and to live a decent, dignified life—whether CNN ever shows up or not.
Your fulfillment in life is not based on the number of viewers who witness your good deeds, your fulfillment is based on the fact that you did them anyway.
Do your best with the one life you’ve been given. You can find joy right where you are.
But there is another reason Emily’s article is important. And I don’t want you to miss it.
2) Don’t overlook the opportunity to recognize and learn from the everyday heroes you encounter.
In a culture of celebrity worship, it is far too common to care more about the lives of people we will never meet than to know the neighbor living next to us.
As a result, we often look toward the glamorous, the exalted, and the widely praised for inspiration and guidance.
But sometimes, the humble grandmother living next to us holds more wisdom than the bestselling author; the father who volunteers to coach our son’s baseball team knows more about servant leadership than the most renowned CEO; and the single mother down the street could teach us more about sacrifice than even the most-championed character on television.
These are the real heroes. Those who serve, not because the cameras are rolling or they hope to fill a blog post with words, but because they know it is the right thing to do. They have come to recognize the greatest fulfillment in life is not found in fame or fortune, but pursuing dignified lives and growing fruitful in the soil they have been planted.
These are the men and women we ought to seek out in life—and learn as much from as we possibly can about living life to the fullest. Seek out those mentors. They may never be famous, but that’s O.K.
Emily Esfahani Smith’s article is important. Not just because it reminds us that there is a life of fulfillment and purpose to be found in the mundane and ordinary we encounter every day. But because it reminds us to look for, and fix our eyes upon, those who have already found it there.
Priscilla says
I liked that Emily’s article was researched. The numbers behind her conclusions add weight to what she is saying, and I agree with her! I like that both Emily and you, Joshua, note that fulfillment often comes when NO ONE is looking at you or recording your doings on FB, that fulfillment is a result of being focused on loving others instead of others loving our social profile.
Nancy Papa says
I very much enjoyed this article, and I did read the full article in the New York Times. I look forward to reading “Power of Meaning”. I just want to point out the authors name is Emily, not Elaine.
Donna Rodgers says
The people I know who make the most significant contributions to others lives, say the least about it. The Lord called us to be ‘faithful in the little things’. And, Voila!, before you know it, you’ve been faithful in the big ones: family, friendship, and service to those in need.
I really appreciated your reassurance that it’s ‘OK’ to be a normal person doing little things to make a difference in the lives of those closest to us.
Beth Springer says
Beautifully put, It makes me sad to read all about everyone’s lives like they were in a tabloid. Any more I do not read the things people comment on because it is so negative. But I love to read inspiring pieces like this. I think we can all use a dose of humility and realize that it is not all about us but is about helping and loving others.
B says
This is perfect timing. I just started a blog and it’s only been a week but I’ve been beating myself up over the barely-there reactions I expected to get. I always compared myself to others, but I know I need to stop and internalize that my progress can’t be based on others’. :)
Delia Locke says
This is a very profound article. I wish that the whole world would read it and change their way of life. Love and respect for our fellow man is the corner stone of civilised life.
Jill Sanders says
I recently have had the opportunity to spend some time with a 94 year old lady who is facing death in the near future. She has become my hero in the short time we have known each other. She is cheerful and kind and never complains about her trials. I only hope I can be half the woman she is!
Elaine Sauer says
Nice feature, but Did Emily write the article or Elaine? there are two references is this piece making it confusing to me.
joshua becker says
Thanks. I have corrected the incorrect citation.
J. Randal Matheny says
What?! You mean I’ll never be one of the Incredibles who save the world every week?! Good reminder. Meaning is found in God’s gift and his goodness all around us.
Tony W says
Your words ring truth. I always remember the phrase “The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel”
With the internet and over 500 cable channels (I lost count LOL). Information and misinformation travels fast.
It’s good to remember we all have positions to play in the game of life. All positions are equally important even if popular culture deems some mundane. Despite that fact we all need to play our positions well. The important people in our lives and the universe is counting on us to do so.