Fame and Honor

My wife always criticizes me about what she describes as “my desire for Fame and Honor,” even  after retirement.   She says, “you are retired now, you don’t need to be known!”  This criticism puzzles me as throughout our careers, we strive to excel in our role, win respect, to achieve fame and honor.   Fame and honor have great and special meaning to many, especially a salesperson and he understands without question that both are EARNED and never automatic.  As such, why should we forget about the numerous years we spent which earned us these accolades?     No successful career has ever been easy and earning Fame and

Honor is a very worthy achievement.   We earned it and we should keep it alive for as long as we live.

I do not boast about Fame and Honor but I value it.   Fame is defined as “the state of being known or talked about by many people, especially on account of notable achievements,” and Honor as “high respect and great esteem.”   As a salesperson, we want to be known and remembered for our achievements, integrity, knowledge, fairness, and above all honesty.  This is how successful salespeople remain successful.   This is how we hold on to our customers while developing new ones.   This is why prospects believe and support us.     

I want to believe that my career is eternal and everlasting.   I want people to think of me at the end as they have thought of me previously.   Fame and Honor are fragile and part of our life.     

It is difficult to earn Fame and Honor, but even more difficult to regain it if lost.

As you begin your career or are in the middle or twilight of your career, reflect on these thoughts.   How are you earning and handling your fame and honor?   Monitor your progress continuously so that you know how to adjust if needed.   We talked about this earlier perhaps in a different context, but “measurement” is vital in everything that we do.   If you cannot measure it, don’t do it.   Measure yearly, monthly, daily or even hourly.  Know precisely where you are, where you have been, and where you want to go.   You cannot amend the past, but you can learn from it and adjust for the future.

Up to the last day, there is always tomorrow and a future.  You control and determine your future.   Make sure your future is what you make it to be.