Have you ever created something, thought it was really great, then looked at it again and started to doubt it? Have you ever made something wonderful but then compared it to someone or something else and decided it wasn’t? Unless you are Wonder Woman, my guess is that you have doubted yourself on more than one occasion. I do it all the time. And while I feel a little humility is always a good thing, so is being realistic about what you’ve done. If you really love it, then who cares what anyone else thinks? If you love to paint, then by all means keep painting. If you enjoy writing then start typing now. Whether its acting, singing, design or whatever floats your boat – keep doing it!
I think I’ve had a tendency to value the creations and accomplishments of others because they were “someone else’s” achievement. But we each have had many achievements in our lives. So be sure that you don’t overlook yourself and your contributions to the world. Appreciate and include yourself with the awe you witness in others as well.
It was another Ayn Rand bit from “The Fountainhead” that got me thinking of today’s post. It’s from the character Howard Roark again and he’s defending his artistic vision and his very unique (and totally unappreciated, in fact for the most part detested) architectural style.
“Every form has its own meaning. Every man creates his meaning and form and goal. Why is it so important – what others have done? Why does it become sacred by the mere fact of it not being your own? Why is anyone and everyone right – so long as it’s not yourself? Why does the number of those others take the place of truth? Why is truth made a mere matter or arithmetic – and only of addition at that?”
The Duchess Guide 