We are all constantly being sold the idea that fame for us and/or our children can come at any age, at any time, and with no cost beyond the attention given to an app. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about wanting to help young people find success in their lives, not fame. And I’ve been thinking about helping their parents steer their teens to success in such a complicated world.
In order to move in this professional direction, I have been clarifying my own values and understanding of these two terms. My philosophy around these two concepts as they relate to each other can be read below:
Fame is measurable.
Fame is external. For it to exist, it needs others’ validation.
Fame is fleeting.
Fame can be immensely exciting or horrifying or both.
Success, on the other hand, is relative.
Success is internal. It can manifest as a feeling and no one else would have to sign off on it.
Success can very easily be sustained long after successful events occur.
Success often begets more success in a way fame does not beget more fame.
Lastly, most success in life is overwhelmingly common, unexciting, and easy to take for granted.
Helping a young person find success for themselves against the backdrop of social media and constant social comparison is difficult for sure. It can be hard to find the time to reflect on your own personal values and the work you are doing to help your child find success. For many, therapy is one such avenue to get there.
If you are interested in seeing if I can help you help your young person find their own success while navigating the draw towards fame and it’s consequences, consider setting up a 15 minute virtual consultation with me: Link