The Fame Paradox — Navigating the Dangers of Spiritual Addiction in the Pursuit of Success
Week 10, Day 5 of The Artist's Way
Today, let's detach fame from our sense of self-worth and focus on the work itself, so that we can strengthen our sense of self and avoid the dangers of fame addiction.
FAME
Fame encourages us to believe that if it hasn’t happened yet, it won’t happen.
Of course, it is fame. Fame is not the same as success, and in our true souls we know that. We know—and have felt—success at the end of a good days work. But fame? It is addictive, and it always leaves us hungry.
Fame is a spiritual drug.
It is often a by-product of our artistic work, but like nuclear waste, it can be a very dangerous by-product. Fame, the desire to attain it, the desire to hold on to it, can produce the “How am I doing?” syndrome. This question is not “Is the work going well?” This question is“How does it look to them?”
The point of the work is the work.
Fame interferes with that perception. Instead of acting being about acting, it becomes about being a famous actor. Instead of writing being about writing, it becomes about being recognized, not just published.
Remember, treating yourself like a precious object will make you strong.
When you have been toxified by the fame drug, you need to detox by coddling yourself. What’s in order here is a great deal of gentleness and some behavior that makes you like yourself.
(The Artist's Way, 2016, p. 171-72)
I am nurtured as I follow joy and authentically create.
I choose to focus on the work and let go of the illusions of fame, in order to find true fulfillment and inner strength in my artistic pursuits. I will take care of myself, nurture my talents and create with authenticity, allowing joy to be the driving force in my journey.
I am nurtured as I follow joy and authentically create.
Cherishing
1. List five small victories.
2. List three nurturing actions you took for your artist.
3. List three actions you could take to comfort your artist.
4. Make three nice promises to yourself Keep them.
5. Do one lovely thing for yourself each day this week.
“Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment.”
– Jalal ud-Din Rumi
How can you coddle your artist child today?
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