How famous people become
Many people seek fame. In fact, millions of people every month go to Google and look for the answer. There are so many ways to get attention these days, but what really makes famous people famous? What creates a 'celebrity', an 'icon'? Who are these people? What do they do differently?
Thanks to the journey I've taken with the Film Industry Network, I've seen firsthand how people have made it. I've spoken with them, I've seen the way they work, and I've come to realise that there are some fundamental steps that lead people to fame.
Below is what I believe to be those 9 steps:
1. Excel at a skill
People who get discovered 99% of the time have a unique talent, skill, or just do it plain better than anyone else. Whether it's acting, singing, dancing, painting, directing, writing or producing, people who get famous, do so by excelling at a skill to a very high level. It's what creates that 'illumination'. When you see someone doing something so incredible, and it's unique and unrivalled by anyone else, that sparks attention.
2. Communicate effectively
It's one of life's most important skills. Famous people are good at communicating their ideas, and getting people to work with them. A majority of famous people in the entertainment industry depend on this skill for 90% of their success. They are able to connect with people, and get their ideas out into the world.
3. Go the extra mile
People who become recognized do so by going the extra mile and by making small sacrifices. How did Tom Cruise Stay in shape to do Mission Impossible 1-4. How did Christian Bale become Batman? Why did Brad Pitt become such a big Hollywood star? What did Julia Roberts do to get noticed and what did Sylvester Stallone do to get his first script made into a movie?
All these people had one thing in common : they took their craft and their ideas, and pushed them. They went above the point of failure. They made strong decisions about where they wanted to go, and honed their skills. They weren't necessarily clear from the start on how to get success, but they had hunger, and they wanted to succeed.
4. Accept failure
People who fail and fail again tend to be the most successful. People who get famous, battle to win, and they've failed countless times to get there. It makes them stronger and they are better prepared for opportunities that arise, whether it's a callback from an audition or an offer on a script. Those people have accepted their failures to progress and are prepared when given the chance.
5. Set a standard
Famous people often stand out because of a set standard. Whether they do it consciously or not, they represent themselves to the world at a certain level and they stick to it. Arnold Schwarzenegger set his own standard by becoming a world champion of bodybuilding. He then became the biggest action star of all time, but it was his physical appearance which gave him one of his unique qualities. This standard can also be translated into other areas like voice, the written word, design skills, directorial vision, and acting style.
6. Take care of themselves
This is by far one of the most important areas. The big stars take very good care of their appearance. Physical fitness is common amongst famous people. Some examples you should look at are Will Smith, Dwayne Johnson, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Charlie Sheen (yes he had a meltdown but that guy works out).
The body is the most important asset and it needs to function correctly in order to succeed. It sounds a bit cliché and corny but it's vital.
7. Don't focus on other people
Famous people tend to focus on what they want. I've noticed that they do observe others, but don't tune in. They do what they want in their own way, and don't get caught up in over-analyzing their peers. People who become famous avoid the pitfalls of trying to be the same as someone else. After all, there can't be two Charlie Sheens.
8. Stick to one area
Now at first you might say, well there are famous actors who are also directors, producers and even entrepreneurs. I agree, however they started out with one focus, and one area. In that area they became successful, and branched out. I think it's very difficult for people to succeed if they are jumping about between skills, and ideas. I've been told this countless times by people at the top in many fields. It's so important to get this part right and those that prevail have managed to shine in that area.
9. Give back
Lastly, people who are recognized give something back to those that helped them. This is a strong character trait. A pay-it-forward approach is something I see a lot in people who are making it big. Additionally, famous people are often thankful to those that support them. They give back to those who believe in them, in return, making them even more famous. They take their journeys with their fans and their mentors and I personally think everyone should look at giving something back to people around them. It's a win-win for all.
Thanks for reading, and please comment below. I'd like to get your feedback!