The 90% Hidden Under the Water: Why Fame is Just the Tip of the Iceberg (part 1)
A true story:
A few years ago, a striking video went viral. It showed a beggar, hunched on a busy city street, playing a violin with heartbreaking grace and beauty. This man, hidden under layers of old, tattered clothes, was none other than Joshua Bell, one of the world’s greatest violinists. People passed by, in a rush to get to work or school, ignoring the soulful melodies flowing from his $3.5 million Stradivarius violin. Only seven out of thousands spared a few minutes, and even fewer tossed in loose change.
Another true story you obviously know:
Fast forward a few years later, and we see another similar event unfolding, but on a football field. A man, unrecognisable under heavy makeup, plays football with extraordinary skill in a marketplace. No one gives him a second glance until he wipes off his makeup. That man was Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of our time.
What do these incidents tell us about fame and skill?
First off, they show us that skill alone isn’t always recognized. Joshua Bell and Ronaldo are masters of their craft, but without their well-known faces, their extraordinary skills went unnoticed. This might seem demotivating, but it’s an essential part of the journey that every skilled individual must understand. The grind, the hours of practice, and the honing of your craft often happen behind closed doors, unnoticed.
These examples are a testament to the fact that being ‘famous’ is merely the tip of the iceberg — the 10% that everyone sees. But underneath the surface lies the 90% of the iceberg that people don’t see. The years of practice, the sacrifices, the commitment, the determination — all the things that actually make you great.
But don’t lose hope. The road to recognition might be long and arduous, but remember that the grind is a part of the journey. It’s in those countless hours of practice and those moments of doubt that true growth happens. The world may not see your efforts now, but just like the iceberg, it’s what’s beneath the surface that holds it up.
So, let these stories inspire you, not dishearten you. Let them remind you that it’s okay if your efforts are not recognized immediately. Keep honing your craft, keep pushing through, and remember that being famous isn’t the end goal. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself, and eventually, the world will take notice.
When it does, it won’t just be about the 10% they see. It will be about the full 100% — the countless hours, the perseverance, and the passion that got you there.
Remember, your moment in the sun will come. Until then, keep shining in the shadows. But why does this happen? Why are we more likely to acknowledge skill, aptitude, or even wisdom when it’s associated with fame? To know more, read the next part.
