People Don’t Always Love You; They Love What You Represent
True Success is More Than the Spotlight
Success is many things for many people but many of us agree that it isn’t just the destination; it’s a testament to the strength built along the way and journey in pursuit of fulfilment.
Inside our social media-driven world, it’s easy to get swept away by the allure of likes, followers, and public admiration. Many find satisfaction in the thrill of attention and the glamour that comes with visible success like when you become a news article, featured on magazine cover page(s), covered by Steve Biko and is Co and the like. But before you start celebrating, ask yourself: are you ready to pay the price of that success?
Here’s a truth that’s hard to digest before you succeed, society often cheers for you with support, encouragement, and even affection. But after you reach your goals, there’s a shift. The world that once rallied for your rise can, paradoxically, begin to wait—consciously or subconsciously—for your fall. This isn’t a pessimistic outlook; it’s a reflection of human nature’s complicated relationship with success in my view.
People Don’t Always Love You; They Love What You Represent
Success is often admired from afar, with many celebrating the final picture rather than the real person behind it. Society loves the success story but can overlook the perseverance, resilience, and countless failures that forged it. People often celebrate what they perceive as the “glamour” of success, while ignoring the scars—the struggles and sacrifices that made that success possible.
The truth is a person’s power and potential are often revealed not through their victories alone but through their willingness to learn and grow from each failure along the way. The reality of measuring progress not just by the wins but by the scars one wears. But society’s wisdom, unfortunately, doesn’t always see that deeply. We glorify the visible triumphs and tend to avert our gaze from the bruises and scars, the setbacks, and the endless hours of work that are part of the journey.
Scars as Signs of Strength, Not Weakness
Consider the warrior, who isn’t defined by the horse they ride or the army they command, but by the scars they carry. Each scar tells a story of resilience and courage, of battles fought and lessons learned. True leadership doesn’t come from avoiding hardship but from enduring and learning from it.
As leaders and visionaries, we need to shift our focus away from quick wins and easy applause. Instead, let’s honor the process. Success is indeed worthwhile, but the journey of becoming a success—the inner growth, the discipline, the humility, and the scars—is even more valuable. It’s through the process that we become equipped not only to attain success but to sustain it.
Embrace Those Still on Their Journey
The next time you encounter someone who hasn’t “made it” by society’s standards, show them kindness and respect. Recognize that their process is just as important as any final achievement. We should honor the journey of growth and maturity, for that is where the seeds of greatness truly lie. And if you have born the brunt of society and its nature, accept it, learn from it and refuse to fall into the trap of being defined by it. True life journey is a sojourn that cares not for those that drop by the wayside but for those that keep on. In the end those that make it Canaan are those that kept the faith and hope steadfast caring not how much they were banished but swallowed the bitter pill of endurance and determination to finish the journey.
In the end, success isn’t just the destination; it’s a testament to the strength built along the way. Let us be a society that celebrates the whole picture—the struggle and triumph, scars and smiles because that is the true essence of greatness.
CPA Hillary Oonge:
Personal Effectiveness and Career coach,
Community Manager FPKE,
COO and Partner -SKM Africa LLP and
Board Member at KCDF.