Fame is a dangerous drug. I've only gotten the tiniest glimpse of it myself, and already I feel like I'm starting to lose it.
How do you keep everything organized? How do you stay true to yourself? How do you handle anxiety and stress?
I'm doing tons of research on this topic to prepare for the fame I think I'll reach in a few years or so. If you're dealing with a degree of fame yourself and are in need of guidance, here are a few pointers that really stand out to me.
Being famous can have you juggling hundreds of things but forgetting to simply take care of yourself. Our bodies need a proper diet and regular exercise in order to keep us going.
Celebrities and normal folks alike go through some serious bouts of laziness, depression, anxiety, and even sickness, all because they aren't eating well and moving their bodies enough.
Don't just stop at diet and exercise. Don't miss out on the benefits of activities, including therapy, community gatherings, and regular doctor visits, to be the best version of yourself that you can possibly be.
You'll need whatever you can get when dealing with the demands of being such a popular person.
One important thing to do with this is to understand that criticism can come in two different forms. A critic can be constructive, or they can be destructive. You will want to take different approaches when it comes to each type of feedback.
Constructive criticism is less likely to make you want to get angry or violent and can really be a key to growing as an artist. Destructive criticism can literally go in one ear and out the other if you don't want to pay it any mind.
Read More: 14 Ways To Deal With Criticism
People will want you to bend certain ways once you hit a certain level of fame. You have to be okay with the uncomfortable moments where you tell people no.
Some things will be so new that you'll have to get a feel for what boundaries you want to create along the way, but for others, you will already have a strong sense of them in yourself.
Try to avoid situations where you feel like you are being forced to move your boundaries.
Fame can get overwhelming very easily. This will be tricky, especially if you are not able to work on your own schedule without oversight. Try to consistently make time for yourself by getting away from everything completely.
Your brain will seriously thank you for the brief peace of mind. The longer, the better, since it can take several days or even weeks to unwind from all the noise of a busy lifestyle. Avoiding burnout is super crucial to your sanity!
Strive for a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout. Set boundaries around your time and commitments, and allocate dedicated periods for rest, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones.
Finding balance will not only help you maintain your well-being but also enhance your creativity and performance.
Know where you stand morally. Have a firm understanding of your values as an individual. Fame and fortune can make those things a bit blurry, depending on what you get exposed to.
You want to be able to say that fame has influenced who you are overall, but not that it changed you completely.
Reflect on your initial motivations and aspirations as an artist. Stay connected to your passion and purpose, and let them guide your decisions and actions.
Focusing on the impact you want to make through your art can provide a sense of fulfillment and keep you grounded during the highs and lows of fame.
Your life does not need to be a show for everyone to see. You can keep your brand image consistently present in the media while keeping your private life to yourself.
It can be tempting to get the public involved in many different aspects of your life, but this can backfire over time, especially if you're about to be dealing with fame for a long period of time.
Since you're now famous, tons of people get to hear and see your opinions. Consider the opinions that you want to expose your audience to.
What will you need to filter out in order to avoid hurting someone? What is the age range that your fans are in? What culture are you becoming a prominent voice in?
Think about how your voice could help or hinder the world and act accordingly.
You are going to come across so many different types of personalities once you become famous. The truth is, many of these types will be people you do not want to associate with. Learn to recognize a snake or a user.
Read between the lines to see if people are trying to take advantage of you. Know who is in your corner for you and who is only there for what you can do for them.
As you navigate the challenges of fame, it's important to have a strong support system that is truly there for you and not around you for the wrong reasons.
Not everyone will have your back, but there are still good people out there in the world.
Surround yourself with trusted friends, family members, or professionals who genuinely care about your well-being and can provide guidance, advice, and emotional support when needed.
Most people only get those 15 minutes of fame that you always hear about! This is especially true for people who are experiencing social media fame. Fame can be so addictive that the fall can really put you in the dumps badly.
You're going to naturally feel that fall no matter what, but you can at least brace yourself for it and be realistic about the time frame of your fame.
You may find relief in the fact that fame can be fleeting if the anxiety of it all overwhelms you. In this case, know that your time of high stress will only last for a while, and trying your best through it all is a good idea.
You'll come out on the other side stronger from all of the lessons learned once you go through the entire phase from early fame to decay and anonymity.
We are all selfish people by nature, but try to take a selfless approach to your fame when you remember to do it. You can become a philanthropist and give to many causes without even revealing who you are.
You can spread positive messages and back causes that truly need support across the globe. You have the influence to not only change the world but lead others to follow your path and do the same.
Remember where you came from and stay grounded in humility. Gratitude can help you maintain perspective and appreciate the opportunities that fame has brought you.
Cultivate a sense of gratitude by regularly reflecting on your journey and expressing appreciation for the support of your fans, collaborators, and team.
Fame can be surreal and disconnected from everyday life.
Regularly engage with reality by spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies outside of your fame-related endeavors, and participating in activities that keep you connected to the real world.
This will help you maintain perspective and keep fame in its proper place.
I'm a firm believer that we all can benefit from therapy as a form of self-care. I can imagine that very famous people need it the most with all of that limelight and pressure getting to them.
Don't hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals or therapists who specialize in working with individuals in the public eye.
They can provide valuable guidance and tools to help you navigate the unique challenges and pressures of fame, manage stress, and maintain your mental health.
As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
If you are in need of singer, songwriter or song producer services, see what Yona Marie can offer you on her services page.
