What's better than being famous?
What's better than being famous?
Hopefully something that lasts a little longer.
As a kid, I loved watching I Love Lucy. Now, as an adult, I still love it, and so do my kids. We have been watching it together most evenings, and their belly laughs every time Lucy does some sort of physical humor are infectious.
In one of I Love Lucy's later seasons, Lucy and the gang go to Hollywood, and chaos ensues. Lucy is smitten with a celebrity she saw or a famous person she is dying to meet in one episode after another. The problem is, the famous people that Lucy is gaga over are all names I've never heard of before.
I Love Lucy was the biggest show of its time and arguably the biggest show of all time. That show brought in the biggest A-List celebrities at the height of their careers, but you and I aren't likely to recognize their names.
Lucy was in Hollywood about 67 years ago. That's a pretty short time for superstars to go from making fans swoon to being completely unknown, and yet that's what happened. Sure, some names endure, like Lucile Ball, but even her name will fade with time.
I'd rather create impact than be famous.
Fame and impact aren't the same things. Fame puts you in front of people, entertaining them. But impact connects you with people, shaping their lives, helping make things better.
The harsh reality of the human condition is that even today's most famous movie stars will likely be wholly forgotten in 50 years. If that's true for someone with that kind of star power, how much more is it true for you and me?
But, being remembered isn't what matters; making a positive impact on people is. I'm ok if no one remembers my name when I'm gone; that's inevitable. I hope that while I'm here, I can improve the lives of others, helping them improve the lives of the people around them and making our world a better place than the one I found. That's impact. That carries on and multiplies from generation to generation, from life to life.
People don't last forever. Names don't last forever. Legacies don't last forever. Impact does. I don't want to be famous; I want to be impactful.
This post originated on my blog at adamjwalker.com
Great leadership reading from this week
Would that decision look good in the newspaper? - This is an excellent post from my friend Mickey and a good reminder for leaders.
Why re-onboarding your workers may be just what your company needs - This could be a good way to reset expectations and improve culture
These are the mistakes people make when listening, according to a forensic interviewer - Listening is one of the most important things a leader does; this will help us improve.
Other interesting reading from this week
This Is the Exact Amount of Coffee You Should Drink, According to a Harvard Brain Expert - Hint, use a paper filter and drink three cups a day :).
The Secret to Happiness, According to This Harvard Professor: A Reverse Bucket List - Sometimes happiness is about getting rid of things rather than gaining them. Here is a great quote from the article, “If an item is on your bucket list because it lines up with your deepest desires and values, keep it. If it's there to impress the neighbors or feed an amorphous and unquenchable need for "success" or validation, onto the reverse bucket list it goes.”
Making Re-Decisions - I love this post from my friend Drew. You don’t need a new day to get a new start.
Ryan Reynolds Teases Hugh Jackman on Music Man Opening Night: 'Good Luck with Your Little Show' - I LOVE the Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman fake feud! It’s hilarious, and this is another great example of their humor.
Great podcasts from this week
In search of the worst CEO - Akimbo - This episode asks if you are your own worst CEO and walks through how that looks. It’s challenging and well worth your time.
My Podcasts to check out
Tech Talk Y'all - My tech/comedy news podcast.
TogetherLetters - My podcast about the app that I’m helping build to keep people better connected.
Real Pink - I host the national podcast for Susan G. Komen. If you want some inspiration or information about breast cancer, give it a listen.
TechBridge Talks - A podcast about using technology to end generational poverty.
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