Some people see their peers winning an award, speaking at an event, or doing other cool and visible things - and they wonder, "Why don't I ever get chosen?"
Well, did you apply for it? Here's something they don't tell you:
If you want that award, you need to apply or have a friend nominate you.
If you want to present at that conference, you need to submit a proposal.
If you want to serve on that committee, you must express your interest.
If you want to be quoted in that publication, you must pitch to them.
Yes, there are cases where you may be found. If you're prominent in your field or you've built a following, more opportunities will come your way. Just like there are times a recruiter may reach out to you about a role. But most people, in most cases, had applied for their jobs.
The same is true for other achievements.
You may be "chosen" for an award. You may be "invited" to speak. You may otherwise be "selected," presumably through some rigorous process. Such rhetoric carries a sense of importance. The truth is: People are indeed "chosen" - but usually from a pool of candidates, not from the universe at large.
Awards don't fall out of the sky. Most don't anyway. You're not waiting for a talent scout to discover you either. If you want it, you must make the first move.