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.
Dads Dollars debts says
My wife and I often discuss this. That making an impact in one persons life is as meaningful as doing so in 20 or 20s. The people we see, touch, talk to, and just live near are more likely to have a meaningful impact in our life then the sports star, reality tv family, or politician. Those people impact culture but not families. So remember that the mundane is the cure for the insane.
Cara Templeman says
Wow thank you for sharing such a profound article, that I would not have read otherwise. It is something I have been thinking about for awhile (I think since you shared the article about a mum wanting to know why its not enough just to be a mum or a worker etc). Your work makes a huge difference in the lives of alot of people, thank you Joshua.
David Y says
Thanks Joshua. Sometimes we just need a little reminder of what really matters in life.
Heather says
This is pure gold. Thank you. Joshua, may we share this on our facebook page? It is such a valuable insight into how to get a new perspective in our minds of our worth as human beings. With so much loneliness and depression rampant in our society, your article is so uplifting and I’d love to share it.
Thank you for today. ☺
Dawn Baker says
This is the one area of my life that is coherent – I’m clear about my values and have read philosophy deep and wide, and practise gratitude (I’m a happy atheist), for my good fortune. I’m retired, I love every day, enjoy all that is available. It’s the ‘doing’ of tossing things out……. However, I can feel a warm glow of wanting to, ..er…begin to think about it……
Dawn C. says
Everyone should read this article… It was so profound!! Thank you for reminding us that we’re all here to touch those around us in positive ways…. And that’s the most important thing we can do!
Ginger Hudock says
Both you article and the New York Times article were great. I remind myself that God has given me gifts AND circumstances. I am to use the gifts I have in the circumstances I am in to help those around me.
Jeffrey J Pope says
Thanks Joshua. Really needed this today.
John says
There was an old gentleman I used to see every day in Starbucks. His name was Gordon and conversations with him were always delightful. Filled with anecdotes, life lessons and wisdom. Gordon is not famous, but his authenticity and kindness touches so many people. Today’s post reminded me of Gordon! Thanks.
Shannon says
And thank you, John, for always being so willing to comment here and share your experience and, especially, for being so positive!
Betty says
Your blog is a benchmark for me, a level of writing and relevance I aspire to achieve in my own work as an uplifter and encourager. May God continue to bless your work and multiply your rewards! Today was especially appropriate as I begin putting together a post about being remarkable and leaving a legacy.