Pedestal! What Pedestal?
When I was in my 30’s and 40’s, I used to look up to an actor and motivational speaker named Richard Hatch. I thought he was incredible and I wanted to inspire and motivate people just like he did. I couldn’t say enough great things about him. I actually had him up on a pedestal. My dream was to meet him in person.
Then one day, my dream came true and I got to attend one of his 3-day seminars. It was only a few of us, and my husband and I were able to talk to him, have lunch and learn a lot. He was kind, humble, and genuine. My dream had come true.
But then the dream got even better! By some twist of fate, Joe and I were invited to his Christmas party. At his house!!! Could I have been any happier? I was on Cloud 9.
But then the dream got even better!!! Joe and I were invited to be on Richard Hatch’s radio show. It was an amazing experience, one I’ll never forget.
He was still up on that pedestal. Now even more so.
But then one day, after several emails had been exchanged, we were talking on the phone. As he talked, I really listened. And guess what I found out? He was just a regular guy, with regular human problems and issues and he was asking for MY advice.
That day was a great lesson for me. Richard Hatch came off the pedestal. Not because he wasn’t great, but because he was human. He was just like me—a regular person. The thing is, he’d always been just a regular person. I had erected the pedestal.
There are great, amazing people out in the world, but they’re no more, no less, than you and me. They’re just at different phases of life, choosing to do different things.
There are no pedestals unless we create them. And the thing is, there's only one way off the pedestal.
We all contribute to the human experience. Don’t underestimate you!
For you are just as Amazing and Wonderful as anyone else you think might be.
Well Street
Thank you for this message encouraging us to acknowledge our value.
A client of mine who's rubbed shoulders with senators, an ex-president, and numerous corporate big-whigs says a key to his success was that he regarded them all as equals, no more and no less than he. He believes the "no pedestal" treatment won him the respect of these powerful individuals.
Sanatana
I agree. If we believe someone is better than us, it takes so much away from who we are. Better to just be our best version and not worry about how great anyone else may or may not be.
Slipstream
I like that you said not to "underestimate you." Usually, we're our worst critics, so this reminder that we're all amazing and wonderful is much needed by us all. Thanks!
Sanatana
You're welcome. We're so much better than we give ourselves credit for.
Evangel
I tend to cringe when someone fawns over someone who has celebrity. It can be said that the "fan who is in awe" is seeking the admiration and qualities the celebrity possesses rather than recognizing or cultivating their own blessings and gifts.
The lesson must have been a very humbling awakening for you. For the rest of us it's a fun revelation about your relationship with Richard Hatch. Thanks for sharing this story with humility.
Sanatana
It was humbling. I loved that lesson, however. Last time I ever put anyone on a pedestal!