You don’t need anyone to approve you or be proud of you. It is best to figure out your own standards and ideals and commit yourself to them. What else can anyone do? You can’t live up to other’s expectations or standards. That is their expectations and everyone’s expectations for you are different. All anyone can do is the best they can do each day. Some days are good, some are more challenging. Then move on to the next day and leave yesterday behind. Sometimes our best doesn’t seem like it was enough, maybe it wasn’t. Acknowledge your shortcomings. Life is a learning experience. Adjust your self as needs be. Commit to making yourself a little bit better for the next time.
When I was a young art student in drawing class - probably my 3rd semester - the teacher noticed that I was just sitting around and asked me what I was doing. I said; ‘I am just sitting here. My assigned drawing is finished.’ (I was pretty sure I was among the best draughtsman in my class, certainly I thought so.)
The teacher looked at my work and yes, he was satisfied with the work but said; ‘In art there is no competition. You are not trying to compete against your fellow students or even the masters who you are studying. Your only competitor is yourself, are you better than you were yesterday? Being a little faster than the rest of the students in the class means you can make an extra drawing. So go ahead, get back to work, keep improving.’
OK, back to work. That’s what creative people do. We all have to follow our own individual trails. We will be inspired and encouraged by others and, by staying focused on what we are doing, we will inspire others as well. But we are not competing against anyone, only against our own best efforts and against the goals we set for ourselves.
Some Asemic Writings
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