Recognition is a terrible metric. It can signal greatness (Einstein, Shakespeare). It can also signal vapid, substanceless, attention-seeking abandon (reality

Recognition is a terrible metric. It can signal greatness (Einstein, Shakespeare). It can also signal vapid, substanceless, attention-seeking abandon (reality TV stars, Donald Trump). Goodhart's Law in full effect here. Now, this isn't to say that others' opinions don't count. You need some external sanity check to avoid turning into a crackpot smelling your own farts all day. But doing something of substance, and marketing it are two very different things. Blogging and public speaking are useful for the latter, but irrelevant and potentially detrimental to the former if one lacks the proper motivation. I would say, figure out what you're good at and what your goals are independent of recognition. Learn from experts, and develop self-awareness, but always keep your own barometer of success. If you do this, then whatever recognition that comes will be genuine and you have no reason for imposter syndrome. If recognition does not come, whether because your contributions were mediocre in the grand scheme of things, or because of lack of self-promotion, you can still sleep at night knowing that you made the most of your gifts. The idea of pursuing greatness and global personal competition among 7B people fueled by instantaneous connectivity and social media is absolutely toxic and undermines each individual's ability to follow their own muse and make their own unique contribution.