Why I Kept A Broken Plaque
In the spring of 2020, I discovered I was included in the Investment News 40 Under 40 class for the year. I was excited to make the list of financial services professionals, especially after I did not make the list in 2019 alongside a few of my friends. I took the 2019 snub as a message from the Universe that I was focusing on the wrong thing at the time…recognition from my peers had become too important.
Going into 2020, I didn’t think much about the 40 Under 40 list–I had come to peace with 2019 probably being the year I should have made it and the recognition was no longer as important to me as it was the year prior. So it was a pleasant surprise and honor to be recognized by my peers and I was able to do so alongside some friends as well.
In addition to being included in the annual 40 Under 40 issue of the physical magazine and social media campaigns, a glass plaque is sent to those who make the list. When my plaque arrived it looked like Fed Ex had played soccer with my package—as soon as I picked the package up off the ground outside my office, I knew it was broken.
Broken was an understatement.
The plaque was shattered into hundreds of pieces–if I didn’t know one was coming, I’d have had no idea what the glass shards were.
Instead of reaching out to Investment News to request a new one or just throwing the box in the trash, I decided to keep the box of glass and display it on one of the shelves in my office. The broken plaque in a trashed shipping box still serves as a highlight of the recognition from my peers, which I greatly appreciate, AND as a reminder to not allow my “why” to be influenced by accolades, opinions, and approval from others–if I stay true to my authentic life, any recognition that might be needed will come to me in ways that will align with my Pursuit.
As you pursue your authentic life, remember that while it’s nice to receive awards, praise, and other accolades, the recognition from others, especially public recognition, should not be the “why” behind your Pursuit.
Your Pursuit should be guided by your authentic life, driven by your passion, and focused on the impact you can have on others. If you’ve aligned your spirit, mind, body, and money, your Pursuit is a journey you would do for free and without public accolades—but if you should receive public (or private ) accolades, enjoy them but don’t allow them to define you or become the focus of your Pursuit.
See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,
JC
