"I seek neither your approval nor to influence you." - Bruce Lee
"Not one drop of my self-worth depends on your acceptance of me." - Quincy Jones
Two inspiring quotes from two extraordinary men. What these gentlemen understood was waiting for permission and validation from others to live a singular existence is a trap because you'll never fully gain it no matter what you do.
It's important to understand the difference between being open to feedback and even constructive criticism, while cultivating the ability to see when someone is trying to project their personal fears and misgivings on to you.
For people in the arts, this is an especially delicate dance. Because it is arguably the most challenging line of work there is you will come up against many people who tell you what you do lacks meaning, or isn't a real profession. This requires a real mental toughness.
But if you weather those storms than eventually people come around or stop trying to talk you out of it completely. They've accepted the fact you've chosen a certain path which you refuse to be obstructed from.
In time, you'll develop an even greater gift: you will learn the only validation you need is your own.
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