The Illusion of Insignificance

A "Sunday Reflections" Series

This week, while listening to Otto Scharmer’s podcast episode, “What Future Is Wanting to Emerge Through You,” I was struck by the theme of the illusion of insignificance.

We live in a society that tends to measure impact by visibility—by how far your influence reaches or the level of prestige attached to your name. In this culture, success is often equated with accolades, social media followings, or public recognition. But in truth, there are millions of people who are shaping the world every single day in ways that are immeasurable and often unnoticed. These unseen changemakers quietly focus on being exactly who they are.

They don’t strive to win awards or build a personal brand. They may never receive public acknowledgment for the meaningful work they do. Yet, whether professionally or personally, these individuals embody the essence of showing up fully in their roles. Think of the teacher who profoundly influences a student’s future, the caregiver who provides sustenance and love, or the custodian who diligently tends to spaces unnoticed by others. Their contributions, though hidden, ripple out and touch lives in ways that cannot be quantified.

Nature reflects this truth as well.

Does a bee know its vital role in sustaining ecosystems? Does an apple aspire to be appreciated for its nourishment? Nature doesn’t question its significance—it simply exists in its purpose. What if we, too, embraced this inherent truth? That each of us, by virtue of being who we are, plays an essential part in the whole. We are not separate entities striving for significance; we are interconnected, each contributing to the larger system in our own unique way.

When we create art, explore the depths of our emotions, or engage in self-reflection, we connect with these deeper truths. The process of creation itself is a reminder that our existence and expression matter, even if unseen by the wider world. This is why art often becomes a portal to the soul, helping us see the parts of ourselves and others that may otherwise remain unnoticed. It’s in these moments that we’re reminded that we are enough. That simply being who we are is significant.

By embracing our own significance—without comparison to others or external measures of success—we shift the narrative. We stop believing the illusion that we are small or insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Instead, we begin to trust that our unique contributions, whether seen or unseen, are what make the world whole.

We all play a vital role in today’s society. The only question is whether we are willing to recognize it, to feel it, and to own it.

If you’d like to listen to the podcast that inspired today’s post, you can find it here:

Otto Scharmer - What Future Is Wanting to Emerge Through You