More now than perhaps any other time in history, there is a huge gulf between what is momentarily popular, and what is an enduring success.

And — again, perhaps now more than ever — it’s pretty important which one you choose.

“Popular” means well-liked, fashionable, and trendy. (Of course, since “trendy” basically means the rage du jour, it doesn’t bode well for maintaining high levels of popularity for the long-term, does it?)

Yet, in today’s culture, we often see those who would rather be reality show contestants than business school graduates. Pop stars as opposed to musical artists. Quick-hit entrepreneurs, not true business builders. Some will even trade their future — and damage that of others — for a brief turn believing they are in the rarified air of significance.

Sometimes I am asked, “Who speaks to the speaker? Who influences the author? Who motivates the motivator?” Great questions — and something I was pondering the other night as I listened to Elton John in concert.

During the show, the music icon mentioned an inspiration of his had just passed away. Frankly, I thought he was going to talk about Dick Clark — instead, it was Levon Helm, who died on April 19 at the age of 71 from cancer.

Levon Helm was best known as the drummer for the seminal music group, “The Band.” Growing up in — as Johnny Carson used to say, “I kid you not!” — Turkey Scratch, Arkansas, where at age six, young Levon saw Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys and decided on the spot to become a musician.

He spent decades diligently growing and improving his craft. If you are familiar with rock music, you know the importance of the group of which Helm was a member. They were Bob Dylan’s backing band for years, and they also produced critically acclaimed albums such as, “The Last Waltz” (their final concert that also became the subject of a Martin Scorcese documentary). Levon sang lead on such classic songs from the Band as “The Weight,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” and “Up On Cripple Creek.”

Elton John spoke movingly of how Levon Helm’s dedication, perseverance, and artistry had inspired him. In fact, the song “Levon,” from the album “Madman Across the Water,” was written because John wanted to do something with his hero’s name in it. Later, upon becoming a parent, one of the names John gave his new son was “Levon.”

What does this have to do with you?

Who are YOUR heroes?

Are they flavors of the moment? Or, are they successful in a manner that transcends mere popularity? It could make a significant difference in your future.

It makes me wonder…back in ’68 when Elton John and Bernie Taupin were getting started writing and working together…what if they would have not looked up to artists like Levon Helm who didn’t have a popular “hit” at that moment…and instead went for the “hot” artists who had big #1 songs that year…like Archie Bell and the Drells, John Fred and the Playboy Band, and Jeannie C. Riley?

Who you choose to admire…defines you.