It’s been a long time since I’ve been inspired or impressed by a Beyoncé’s music video; I hardly listen to her songs anymore.  A few nights ago, after I’ve given up trying to find a good movie to watch on TV, I settled for a channel playing music. I was working on the next chapter of the Swapping Places series when I heard a voice. I was tempted to change the channel but somehow felt lazy to pick up the remote control.I’ve come to this conclusion about secular music: no matter how good the music sounds, watch the video to see the reasoning behind it before deciding to fall in love with it. I’ve heard great tunes only to be disappointed at best and appalled or worst with their videos.So I think I was looking for a suitable word for what I was writing and found myself drawn to the video. I must say, I loved the story being told such that I told myself, “Aha, this is the Beyoncé I used to know.”As women in the 21st century, one truth that would be widely accepted is that, beauty is pain. For a lady to step out with a flawless makeup on, it means she might have taken quite some time to have it done. For those in the limelight, God knows how much they spend and what they go through to appear the way they do and all for what? Human applause? To be named in the top 10 of something? For an award?Don’t get me wrong, looking good is great. But the issue is the intention behind the extent we go sometimes. I believe the purpose for whatever we find ourselves doing is what matters. Let the applause just be a bonus. It’s not worth it, killing yourself just for your fellow human being to call you beautiful or the best at something.The truth is, for all the thousands of people who claim to be your fans don’t just follow you. They are fans of your competitor as well. They are just enjoying the show that you’re making of your life. We all have our favorite artistes but our playlist contain songs from other singers as well. In whatever you’re trying to outdo another wouldn’t make those you like you, like your competitor any less.Discover what you are good at, excel at it and when your 5 minutes of fame comes, enjoy it. But remember, the spotlight won’t be in your direction forever. When it is moving away, let it go but keep working harder, not just so it will come back to you; but because you know that’s what you were born to do. As for applause, no matter how loud and hard people clap, they will definitely fade at one point. If all you live for is that applause, what will become of you after it ceases?Every goal hurts not just being pretty because everything takes effort. Just don’t do it to please people because they will let you down. No matter how much you love a song, you tire of it after listening to it after a while. The same with applause. Live for something more worthwhile.© Josephine Amoako 2017