Do you know someone who is twisting themselves into knots seeking fame or recognition? Many actors, musicians, athletes, speakers and leaders fall into this category. The problem with external recognition is that it is an illusion.

This is why so many actors, artists, athletes and so forth become disillusioned with fame – it is not all it is cracked up to be. The ones that become depressed by this will likely turn to alcohol, drugs, sex or some other addiction to fill the void. You’ve seen the tabloids!

And then there are the few who’ve reached stardom who seem to miraculously rise above the trap of fame and awaken to a more meaningful reality; they become sourced from within.

To become sourced from within, you must recognize yourself. Recognition is one level of Love-energy that meets a basic need. You don’t have to have aspirations of fame to need it! Everyone wants to feel recognized in some way – by parents, friends, bosses, co-workers, lovers…. The degree of recognition can range from just needing to being recognized by one particular person to seeking global recognition.

What type of outer recognition do you seek? Words? Awards? Trophies? Degrees? Fame? Fortune? Presents? Material or social status symbols? From whom or where do you seek it?

Take, for example, the famous musician who is insecure unless he is surrounded by screaming fans. He walks out into public and is instantly mobbed. He soaks in the temporary illusion of recognition, pretending to be blasé about the paparazzi and demands for autographs, yet secretly reveling in the adulation. He is King of the world, top of the heap, higher than high… until the hostess at the trendiest restaurant fails to recognize him. His bubble pops. He is instantly taken back to the third grade where he was last to be picked for the team. He feels like nothing, no one, a failure all over again.

Back in my waitressing days, I had the joy of serving several famous people who fell into this trap. One particularly well-known actress became belligerent, screaming, “Don’t you know who I am?” Apparently, I was supposed to gush, grovel, beg for an autograph and fall prostrate at her feet and kiss her Jimmy Choo’s before moving on to taking her order. I didn’t know the script. I just treated her like a real person and, wow, was she offended – hahaha! Needless to say, I didn’t get much of a tip.

Seeking recognition from outside is not only painful, it’s ugly – think sobbing actress who didn’t get the Oscar or athlete who throws a tantrum after losing the game. If you need to be seen, lauded, first, best or #1 in order to feel Ok inside, I highly encourage you to let that pattern die a swift death. Recognize yourself. Say to yourself “I see you.” “I recognize your efforts.” “You did it.” “You’ve done well.” “You can feel great about your level of achievement.” Or whatever you need to hear depending upon your need at the time. You are the one and only one who needs to recognize your own greatness.

Many Blessings of Joy and Vibrant Freedom!

Action Step ~ Let go of needing outer recognition in any form. Declaration: “I recognize myself.”

Additional Support: Listen to this audio on Self-recognition. This is a 6-minute closed-eye process; please refrain from driving while listening.

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