You may share useful code, but because you have ten stars and FOOBAR has 2000, people will only take FOOBAR seriously.

You don't have badges on your readme? You don't have screenshots? You don't have achievements and a green square every day on your profile?

I aim to be like them, high performers that get respect from their peers, but unknown to internet strangers.

Sometimes you get the rare exceptions of people who don't chase fame but become known for their work due to other people talking about it.

Then I read the black swan by Nassim Taleb, Give & Take by Adam Grant, and others of the sort.

There's something there about waiting for serendipity, and chasing it. The string shouldn't be too tight, neither too loose.

Best of luck in your journey!