You might expect that the YouTubers or podcasters with the largest followings would be the actors or TV personalities you grew up watching. But that’s not the case. Instead, they’re people just like you and me.

Here’s the thing—the people you grew up watching were just like you and me, too.

The same shift happened with print media.

Am I suggesting you become an influencer or start a YouTube channel? Not necessarily. I still don’t have one, despite years of procrastination. But what I am saying is that we now live in a world filled with unlimited opportunities and endless connections. Waiting for someone to pick you up is a race to the bottom.

You don’t need to wait for someone to discover you.

Look around. Find a problem you care about and start talking about it with others who care about it, too.

Why is this important? Because the flip side of a world with unlimited possibilities is a world with unlimited distractions, many of which disguise themselves as productive activities.

The internet amplifies the shiny stuff. But the real work—the meaningful work—happens in the trenches with people who care. Do that work consistently, and you will see results.