2/12/26: Take Two — Unseen. Not Unimportant
Ideas and inspiration for a more intentional, extraordinary life.
February 12, 2026
WORDS TO WONDER
UNSEEN. NOT UNIMPORTANT
“Be faithful to that which exists within yourself.”
— André Gide, French writer, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature (1869–1951)
PERSPECTIVES TO PONDER
In 1961, The Beach Boys crashed onto the music scene.
By 1963, they were climbing the Billboard charts with “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “Surfer Girl,” and “Be True to Your School.” Soon came three #1 singles: “I Get Around,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” and “Good Vibrations.”
They were America’s soundtrack to sunshine.
Then, in 1966, they released Pet Sounds.
It was highly anticipated but only reached #10 on the charts.
Compared to their earlier chart-toppers, it was considered a disappointment.
Fans expected more surfing, cars, and carefree fun. Instead, they got vulnerability. Longing. Emotional depth. Songs like “God Only Knows” that sounded less like beach anthems and more like prayers.
It didn’t fit the moment. But moments change.
Sometimes what feels like a miss is simply ahead of its time.
A decade later, Paul McCartney said:
“God Only Knows is the greatest song ever written.”
Then, in 2000, thirty-four years after its release, Pet Sounds was certified Gold (500,000 copies sold). Two weeks later, it went Platinum (1,000,000).
The first half-million took 34 years.
The second took two weeks.
The album didn’t change. The world finally heard what had been there all along.
Our work isn’t always recognized when it’s released into the world. Sometimes it’s misunderstood. Sometimes it feels invisible. Sometimes it feels like shouting into the wind.
It’s tempting to abandon what’s meaningful when no one seems to notice.
But greatness is often ahead of its time.
If you’re discouraged and it feels like no one is listening, don’t confuse delayed recognition with lack of value.
Trade the desire for immediate applause for the pursuit of lasting impact.
Keep building.
Keep writing.
Keep creating.
Great work is not measured by its first reaction.
It is measured by its staying power.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Am I chasing visibility—or impact?
Are the results I want the natural outcome of the actions I take daily?
If recognition were delayed for years, would I stay the course?
NOT-SO-ORDINDARY FINDS
Kindness in the Quiet
A couple of minutes that will brighten your day.
BEFORE YOU GO
Not everything meaningful is immediately noticed.
Not everything unseen is unimportant.
Press on with your purpose—even when the world doesn’t seem to notice.
Stay inspired by the life you are living.
Kevin