impact vs accolades
a few thoughts on purpose + reads & vibes for your weekend
Happy Friday Friend! Do you know that Monday is May? The time is FLYING! Let’s jump right in:
thoughts at large.
Earlier this week, I decided to use Beyonce's Homecoming as background sound for a creative push when I felt like I was in a rut. That show always sparks something in me.
I remember getting up in the middle of the night to watch “Beychella” live. It was so inspiring to me because I understood two things:
How much work went in to achieve the level of excellence they achieved and
How important it was to highlight the culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
In some ways, it was like a validation. I’m a two-time HBCU grad. I’ve always loved Black schools, and Black culture. To see it displayed on a worldwide stage by the biggest artist in the world was impactful to me. It was also impactful to other people too. Honestly, Beyoncè’s Coachella show was probably the catalyst of the wave of support and interest we’ve seen in HBCUs over the last 5 years. And although Beyonce was nominated for an Emmy for the documentary that told the story of that monumental show, I still regard the performance as a win because of the impact that it had. More of us should take that as an example.
As a creator, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of recognition and validation from your peers and audience. Whether it's winning an award, getting a shoutout from a celebrity, or having your work featured in a prestigious publication, accolades can be a powerful motivator.
However, it's important to remember that the true value of your work lies not in the number of accolades you receive, but in the impact it has on your audience and the world at large. At the end of the day - it’s all about purpose.
Here are some reasons why you should prioritize your impact over accolades:
Accolades are often subjective: While awards and recognition can be a great way to validate your work and gain exposure, they are often based on subjective criteria that can be influenced by factors outside of your control. For example, a panel of judges might not appreciate your work as much as another artist's work, even if yours has a greater impact on your audience.
Impact is measurable: The impact that your work has on your audience and the world around you is something that can be quantified and measured. Whether it's the number of people you reach, the positive feedback you receive, or the tangible changes that your work inspires, these metrics are a much more concrete way to assess the value of your work than accolades.
Impact is more fulfilling: Ultimately, the most satisfying part of being a creator is knowing that your work is making a difference in the world. Whether you're inspiring others, raising awareness about important issues, or simply bringing joy to people's lives, the knowledge that you're having a positive impact is what makes all the hard work worth it.
So, how can you prioritize your impact over accolades? Here are some tips:
Focus on your audience: Instead of trying to impress your peers or industry insiders, focus on creating work that resonates with your audience. Engage with them, listen to their feedback, and adjust based on what they tell you. The more you can connect with your audience, the more impact your work will have.
Measure your impact: Set goals for the impact you want to have on your work and track your progress over time. This can be as simple as keeping track of the number of people who view your work, or as complex as conducting surveys to assess the impact your work has on people's lives.
Celebrate your successes: While you should prioritize your impact over accolades, it's still important to celebrate your successes along the way. Whether it's a small milestone like hitting a certain number of followers or a larger achievement like getting featured in a major publication, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments.
Remember, as a creator, your impact should be your top priority. While accolades and awards can be nice, they are ultimately fleeting and subjective. By focusing on your work's impact on your audience and the world at large, you can create a lasting legacy that will bring you much more fulfillment and satisfaction in the long run.
Love you - mean it!
need you to know.
Ex-Fugees rapper Pras Michel was found guilty in a scheme to help China influence the US government.
The federal grand jury investigating Donald Trump and the events of January 6th has received testimony from Former Vice President Pence.
Both Don Lemon & Tucker Carlson got fired from their jobs this week.
The T.D. Jakes Group and Wells Fargo have partnered up for a 10-year initiative that promotes inclusive communities.
The alleged victim that accused Jonathan Majors of assault has been granted a temporary restraining order against him.
Dennis Barnes, a senior at International High School of New Orleans, has shattered the U.S. record by receiving 125 college offers and $9 million in scholarships.
The Toronto Raptors have been granted permission to consider Becky Hammon as a potential candidate for their head coach role.
Hailey Van Lith announced her intention to play at LSU with Angel Reese & Flau’Jae Johnson next season.
reads + vibes.
The “Cash Me Ousside” girl made $70 Million on OnlyFans. What’s Next? via Rolling Stone.
Latto hired Teyana Taylor to be her creative director - the results are amazing. via Vibe
This week’s episode of Louder Than A Riot covers Kim Osorio & her battle with The Source Magazine. If you ever loved hip-hop magazines you’ll be into this story.
Speaking of hip-hop eras past, I’ve been enjoying a new podcast series from ItsTheReal and Pharrell’s production company, OTHERtone, called “The Blog Era” - great storytelling on how hip-hop blogs changed the landscape of the music industry and brought us artists like J. Cole, Wale, Big Sean, Drake & Wiz Khalifa. It drops weekly on Wednesdays. Check out the first 3 episodes here on Apple or Spotify.
The trailer for The Equalizer 3 is here and Denzel Washington is still that guy. Film is out this fall, September 1:
Netflix dropped a few first-look photos from their forthcoming film “The Perfect Find” - the film stars Gabrielle Union and Keith Powers, and is directed by Numa Perrier. The film is based off of the book by the same name, by author Tia Williams. The movie will be available on June 23rd, which leaves you just enough time to read the book before you see the film. Grab that here.
Advance tickets for Disney’s live-action version of The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey are available now. You can also stream the full version of Halle’s “Part of Your World” on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, or YouTube Music. The movie is in theaters on May 26th.
After what seems like forever - Miguel has dropped brand new music - and I like it a lot. Check out his new single “Give It To Me” - on your streaming platform of choice by clicking here.
That is all for this week. I hope you have an AMAZING weekend. If you enjoy this newsletter, please share it with a friend.
