Fame and recognition are lofty goals that young people often strive for. The plan to gain recognition may lead a youngster to sacrifice time, energy, and money in pursuit of the fame that they hope will endure for a lifetime. The recommendation to encourage the pursuit of long-term goals over short-term success holds that young people should instead strive to attain goals that will lead to long-term recognition and fame. I agree with the recommendation.

Although young people are often led to waste their time, energy, and money in the pursuit of fame and recognition, it is also true that many successful people, despite not always having fame or recognition during their lifetimes, have attained the recognition they have desired in the long term. I base my support of this recommendation on the fact that fame and glory are often earned through sacrifice, hard work, and perseverance in the real world. Young people are not the only ones who chase fame and recognition; adults also do so. Many famous people such as movie stars, athletes, politicians, and businesspeople have spent years or even most of their adult lives pursuing fame and recognition. A renowned musician such as Elton John, for example, performed for years in the clubs of London before achieving his breakthrough with one of his songs. On the other hand, the famous film director, Steven Spielberg, spent nearly a decade of his life in relative obscurity before he achieved recognition.

The pursuit of fame and recognition is often fruitless, and young people should learn from the experiences of other famous and successful people. Instead of wasting their time pursuing fame and glory, young people should focus their energy on achieving long-term goals. Acquiring fame and recognition is not a long-term goal, as fame and recognition are often short-lived. Although it may be challenging to give up one’s purpose, pursuing it can result in many disappointments. Young people should try to achieve long-term goals instead of short-term ones because long-term goals such as educational attainment, financial independence, and career accomplishments are more likely to succeed. While the pursuit of fame and recognition may entertain young people for a while, it will not help them secure their future or develop as a person. Instead, young people should channel their energy into achieving long-term goals that will allow them to build a better future for themselves.

This statement has caused me to question the motives of those who encourage the pursuit of fame and recognition. If these people genuinely want to encourage young people to pursue long-term goals, they should avoid making judgments about other people’s choices and instead focus on their achievements.