Recognition vs. Accomplishment

I was trying very hard to get to bed on time tonight, when I very randomly came across this: this. For years now I've been saying that I want to see every country in the world. I get reactions like it is so impossible. And to be honest, within myself I've wanted it, but not really thought it possible. But then when you see that someone out there has broken your own glass ceiling, it is kind of enthralling. Suddenly what you always wanted, but secretly didn't think was possible, is. So, I go to bed late as I mull this inspiration over.

I am taken by the idea of traveling the entire world, and the Guinness record would be cool, but really, I think you can do truly amazing things without the title/notoriety to go with it. For example, every Saturday I typically run around Forest Park. It is six miles. During the months with nice weather, there is typically a 5 k or 10 k going on at the same time (3.1/6.2 miles). The finish line is right on our running path. Sometimes we go through the little end part with people cheering us on like it is an accomplishment. Except that we do this pretty routinely, every week, hot or cold, with absolutely no fan fare. But what we did is the very same accomplishment, only in many cases, greater.

This Friday we have an annual dinner for a law society to which I belong. There are lots of people who I think would be great speakers and who are phenomenal lawyers. I would love to ask them speak, but in this setting, of course we need someone who looks good on a flyer to appeal to a greater audience. The titles, the medals, they have value. The guy we chose to speak graduated in my same law school class. He ran for a political office and won. I didn't. I mean, I'm sure he is smarter, too and has done some really great things. But it's possible that so have I. But who would come listen to me speak? No 5 k medal, no titles.

In the end, what has greater value, the actual accomplishment, or the recognition and notoriety for it?