20 Apr hear no evil, hear no good.

If you’ve grown up as an independent/weirdo, you understand that ignoring what other people think is Survival 101.

Sometimes you have to be the one person who will believe in you. I have spent most of my years in complete disregard of other’s views of me and my work, and doing so has been really fruitful for me.

“In this world, they choose to see me, they choose to see me like a setting sun, So it’s up to me, I have to see me like a rising one”

Recently however, (as a person who is now well grounded in their being independent), I have been allowing myself to OCCASIONALLY hear out what certain people** think in regards to me and my work. And you know what? This too can also be really fruitful (in moderation). It provides healthy perspective into what is working and what could be improved.  If you’re firm enough in your independence: then it’s ok (and good for you) to sometimes consider someone else’s opinion on you, as long as your point in doing so, is solely to improve your technique. 

“Absorb what is useful, discard what is useless and add what is specifically your own” -Lee

I asterisked “certain people”  because you need to be very selective about whose opinions you’re letting in. People who are rooting for you and who want to see you succeed are usually safe to listen to. People who are proven experts (don’t be impressed by a flashy resumé) and have an authoritative view on a subject are usually important to listen to. Everyone else can go in one ear and out the other.

POINT: There is a time to listen to what they say, and a time to completely disregard what they say.

Don’t get stuck one way or the other; the real trick is swinging back and forth.

Now the enemy quivers, for the weird guy speaks out

-MM