About this quote

Cuts straight through the polite story that good intentions equal true sacrifice. Wanting adrenaline or visibility weakens real service — it turns help into performance. Check motives, choose steady tasks over spectacle, and measure value by long-term impact rather than short-lived applause.

When to use it

• At a volunteer meeting, quote the line and ask who signed up for the work itself versus who wants the attention; assign the steady, necessary tasks first.
• When planning a fundraiser, use the idea to push back on flashy events and instead commit resources to sustainable programs that need consistent effort.
• If you feel drawn to high-profile projects, pause and ask whether you want impact or excitement; then choose smaller, repetitive actions that actually help people.
• As a team leader, call out team members chasing novelty and redirect them to accountable roles with clear outcomes and regular reviews.