(Inspired by Eric Kim’s voice and philosophy)
In ancient Greek culture, kleos—glory or fame—was the ultimate goal. Warriors like Achilles pursued it on the battlefield, believing it immortalized their deeds for eternity. In the modern world, our battlefield has changed, yet the pursuit of kleos remains deeply relevant. We may not fight with swords, but we strive to carve our mark in an often indifferent world. The question is: how can we seek kleos in our everyday lives?
- Define Your Battlefield
First, understand that kleos doesn’t come from wandering aimlessly. To achieve glory, you must identify your unique battlefield. For some, it may be entrepreneurship; for others, art, teaching, or family. The key is to choose something meaningful to you—something that sparks fire in your soul. Avoid the trap of competing in someone else’s arena. Your kleos must align with your personal values and vision.
- Do Work That Matters
In the words of Eric Kim, “Create something that will outlive you.” This doesn’t mean you need to build a Fortune 500 company or pen a Pulitzer-winning book. Instead, focus on creating something meaningful—a project, a relationship, or a legacy. Your small daily actions, if done with intention, can ripple far beyond your lifetime. Plant the seeds of your greatness today.
Ask yourself: “Am I doing something that genuinely excites me? Am I making an impact on others?” If the answer is no, recalibrate. You can only achieve kleos if your work resonates deeply with your soul.
- Master the Art of Courageous Living
Achieving kleos requires courage. You must be willing to step out of your comfort zone, confront your fears, and challenge societal norms. It’s easy to live a life of mediocrity—avoiding risks, blending into the crowd. But greatness demands boldness. Speak your truth unapologetically, even if it makes others uncomfortable. Take risks that scare you. Say “yes” to challenges that stretch your limits.
Courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about acting despite fear. Remember, glory doesn’t come from playing it safe. Achilles wouldn’t be remembered if he’d stayed home.
- Focus on Legacy, Not Popularity
In our age of social media, it’s tempting to confuse popularity with significance. But kleos isn’t about fleeting likes or followers; it’s about enduring impact. Instead of chasing external validation, focus on internal fulfillment. Ask yourself: “What do I want to be remembered for? How do I want others to speak of me after I’m gone?”
Your kleos lies in the depth of your contributions, not the breadth of your audience. Choose depth over surface-level recognition. True kleos doesn’t fade with trends; it transcends time.
- Live Authentically
Eric Kim often emphasizes authenticity as the cornerstone of greatness. To achieve kleos, you must live as your true self. Shed the mask you wear to please others. Stop conforming to societal expectations that don’t align with your values. Embrace your quirks, passions, and flaws. The world doesn’t need another copycat; it needs you.
Authenticity is magnetic. When you live authentically, you inspire others to do the same. This ripple effect is a form of kleos—your actions spark a chain reaction of courage and authenticity in others.
- Cultivate Radical Discipline
Glory doesn’t happen overnight. Kleos requires discipline and consistency. Set daily goals, and commit to them with unwavering focus. The mundane, repetitive tasks often lead to the most extraordinary outcomes. Whether it’s practicing your craft, learning a skill, or nurturing relationships, greatness emerges from persistent effort.
Stay relentless in your pursuit of excellence. Even on days when you feel uninspired, show up. Discipline transforms potential into reality.
- Seek Connection, Not Isolation
“Kleos is not a solitary endeavor,” Eric Kim might say. Glory is amplified through the stories others tell about you. Build relationships that matter. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Share your journey with others—your struggles, victories, and lessons learned. By doing so, you create a tapestry of human connection that magnifies your impact.
- Die Empty
Finally, embrace the idea of dying empty. Pour your heart, soul, and energy into your pursuits so that when your time comes, you leave nothing undone. Achieving kleos isn’t about perfection; it’s about effort. Make every moment count. Live fully, love deeply, and create boldly.
In conclusion, kleos in everyday life isn’t about grand gestures or fame. It’s about living a life of purpose, courage, and authenticity. It’s about leaving a legacy that resonates with others and endures beyond your years. As Eric Kim might say: “Live your life like a work of art. Make it beautiful, make it bold, and make it yours.”
Your kleos is waiting—go claim it.