When the whole world sings your praise

There are a few reasons people may sing your praise. Among them are high achievements, fame, stardom, and being in a position of authority. Because everything is ephemeral, we must remember that, as soon as the reason for praise is gone, the praise also ceases. That reminds me of the proverbial clay pot analogy. The clay pot was very good at what he did, and everyone liked him. In fact, an elephant died, and the clay pot took it in - all its meat, and people enjoyed eating from it. The buffalo died and he did the same. However, when the clay pot died, nobody wanted him again. That is mostly the case, and each one of us must prepare for the possibility of losing power or getting off the stage of stardom. Yes, I mean many past famous and powerful people are still alive and well but are no longer reckoned with as in their days of glory.

Someone may quickly think, “what about doing an excellent job, such that the glory never goes away?” Well, the fact is that it is not about you in the first place but about the thing you have that makes people sing your praise. Your true identity is who you are outside of fame and power. After you are gone, people may not remember how powerful you were but will surely remember who you were. Instead of letting the praise of people get into our heads, we should focus on our mission, the reason that brought fame and authority in the first place. I think so strongly that it is all about humility; being humble in our hearts first, and then showing humility in our actions.
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Here is the main message. We should not allow anyone to pull us down because of pride or arrogance. It is prideful to think and accept that people are praising us just because we are so good. That is not exactly the case, people are praising you and flocking around you because you are famous, rich, and powerful. If you think this message is only theoretical, you may just wait and see what happens once you have none of those things anymore. You will see how most people will desert you except those few that truly love you, and that, if you do have those who do. When the whole world sings your praise, stay humble all the way, focusing on your mission and the good works, which history will always remember.

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Actions for the week

1. Think about your current situation, even if you are not yet a superstar or a powerful person. Would you say that you are humble? Be the judge.
2. Decide from now onward never to let any achievement, accolade or praise get in the way of your humility. Think humbly and act humbly, always.
3. Share this message with those in your circle.

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​A quote to remember
"Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis

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Until another time,
Dele Ola, Award-Winning Author of Be A Change Agent
​Click HERE to learn about and get copies of Dele’s Books