what do you deserve?
the truth about recognition and reward
late 2022, i was offered a slot for “abia 35 under 35” — a government-sponsored and recognized award — not because i had applied for it or was officially selected, but as a form of compensation for volunteering to handle the branding and visuals. i declined. my reasoning? if i truly deserved it, i should have been formally invited, not handed the award as a favour.
fast forward to today, and my perspective has changed. i’ve seen how people actively work to secure awards, media features, and recognition. many of the accolades we admire — from local honors to prestigious lists like forbes 30 under 30 or industry awards like the oscars and grammys — aren’t just handed out randomly. they often involve strategic positioning, networking, and sometimes even direct campaigning. marketing and branding agencies recognize this and offer media placements as part of their service packages. what was once seen purely as a reward for hard work and excellence has, in many cases, become something you plan and budget for.
the reality of recognition
as someone running a media agency and building a startup, i now understand that great work alone isn’t enough. if you want to be featured in a startup blog, leverage influencer marketing, or land media coverage, you must actively pursue it.
adopting my old mindset — waiting for recognition to come on its own — can be self-sabotaging. we often expect people to notice and reward our value automatically. this extends even to romantic relationships, where we assume the ‘right person’ will anticipate our needs without us having to communicate them. but the truth is, if you don’t ask for what you want, you might never get it.
the same applies to business. having the best product or service isn’t enough. yes, quality matters, but so do optics. putting effort into aesthetics, perception and positioning yourself strategically will bring more sales and recognition. people say, “fake it till you make it” — but what’s fake about acting in alignment with your goals? if you live it, it’s not fake.
bottom line
you get what you claim, not just what you deserve.
we don’t always get what we deserve — we get what we believe we deserve. and because our beliefs shape our actions, thinking you deserve something pushes you to take the necessary steps to claim it.
so, shift your mindset. take control of your narrative. and next time an opportunity for recognition comes your way, don’t turn it down like i once did — take it.
