I didn’t prioritize being popular in school. I drew pictures, was a jackass, and programmed computers. I’m glad I did all that stuff, but it might have been strategic to work on popularity a little more.
Popular kids…
- Got better grades
- Got away with more things
- Got cooler jobs (at least at first)
That isn’t the real world…
… I thought. I thought that popularity didn’t matter in the real world. What mattered was putting your nose to the grindstone — working hard, and developing real skills and knowledge.
I was wrong. A little bit. Popularity is a way to get things, and that game hasn’t changed since prom.
It’s not everything
I think quality in entertainment still matters the most. The biggest weakness I see in passionate entertainers is their lack of popularity. If we look at it as a tool instead of a goal we gain power, perspective, and leverage.
If we’re measuring success by popularity, we will never be satisfied. We’re investment bankers who never have enough money. Instead, we can look at how our money helps us invest more.
Popularity positioned correctly is a signal
A sold out show, a best seller book, an art opening with a line outside, a video with lots of views.
If I’m in the audience of something popular, it’s easier to enjoy, it’s easier to share, it’s got a certain guarantee until I have other proof.